self-mate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
TechnicalFormal
Quick answer
What does “self-mate” mean?
In chess, a move or sequence of moves that forces one's own king into checkmate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In chess, a move or sequence of moves that forces one's own king into checkmate.
Metaphorically, it can refer to any action that leads to one's own downfall or defeat, though this usage is rare and primarily confined to chess contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Both carry the same technical connotation related to chess, with no additional cultural nuances.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, almost exclusively used in chess-related contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “self-mate” in a Sentence
to force a self-matein the context of self-matea puzzle requiring self-mateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-mate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- In this chess problem, you must self-mate within four moves.
American English
- She had to self-mate to complete the puzzle.
adjective
British English
- This is a renowned self-mate puzzle from the 19th century.
American English
- The self-mate challenge was featured in a chess magazine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, only in chess studies, game theory, or puzzle compositions.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primarily used in chess terminology, puzzles, and problem-solving contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-mate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-mate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-mate”
- Confusing with 'checkmate' or using it outside chess contexts, such as in general conversation about failure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a technical term used almost exclusively in chess contexts.
Rarely, but in chess contexts, it can mean to force a self-mate, though its usage as a verb is informal and not standard.
Checkmate is when the opponent's king is in check with no escape, ending the game, while self-mate is when a player deliberately forces their own king into checkmate, often as part of a puzzle.
No, self-mate does not feature in common idioms; it remains a niche term within chess terminology.
In chess, a move or sequence of moves that forces one's own king into checkmate.
Self-mate is usually formal in register.
Self-mate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlfˈmeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlfˈmeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly used”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'self-mate' as 'mating yourself' in chess, which helps remember it's about forcing your own checkmate.
Conceptual Metaphor
Self-defeat or ironic success, where one's actions lead to their own failure, often used to illustrate strategic paradoxes.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'self-mate'?