three-base hit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSports (Baseball), Technical
Quick answer
What does “three-base hit” mean?
In baseball, a play in which the batter safely reaches third base after hitting the ball, without the benefit of a fielding error or fielder's choice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In baseball, a play in which the batter safely reaches third base after hitting the ball, without the benefit of a fielding error or fielder's choice.
It is the second longest type of standard hit in baseball, after a home run. While rarely used figuratively, it can metaphorically represent a significant but not ultimate achievement in competitive contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively American English due to the sport's origins. It is virtually unknown in British English where baseball is not a mainstream sport. In the UK, 'three-base hit' would only be understood by enthusiasts or in media covering American sports.
Connotations
In American English, it connotes athletic skill, speed, and power. It has no cultural connotation in British English due to lack of familiarity.
Frequency
'Triple' is the overwhelmingly preferred term in American sports journalism and commentary. 'Three-base hit' is formal, technical, and occasionally used for clarity or in historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “three-base hit” in a Sentence
The batter [verb: hit, smacked, drilled] a three-base hit.A three-base hit [verb: scored, drove in] two runs.He [verb: legged out, was credited with] a three-base hit.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “three-base hit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable in general British usage]
American English
- He three-base-hit his way into scoring position. (Extremely rare and non-standard; 'hit a triple' is used.)
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable in general British usage]
American English
- The three-base hit total was impressive. (Rare; 'triple total' is standard.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in statistical analysis or historical studies of baseball.
Everyday
Rare outside of conversations about baseball. 'Triple' is more common.
Technical
Used in official baseball rulebooks, scoring, and detailed statistical records.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “three-base hit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “three-base hit”
- Writing as 'three base-hit' (which would imply a hit worth three bases, but is not the standard compound).
- Using 'three-base hit' in non-baseball contexts where it would be confusing.
- Pronouncing it as a run-on phrase without the primary stress on 'hit'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no difference in meaning. 'Triple' is the common, abbreviated term used in modern sports commentary and statistics, while 'three-base hit' is the formal, descriptive term found in rulebooks.
Only in the specific context of discussing or reporting on the sport of baseball. It is not part of general British English vocabulary.
No. A three-base hit (triple) allows the batter to reach only third base. A home run allows the batter to touch all four bases and score a run.
They require a unique combination of a powerfully or precisely hit ball into a deep part of the outfield and the batter possessing exceptional speed to run the long distance from home plate to third base before the ball is relayed back.
In baseball, a play in which the batter safely reaches third base after hitting the ball, without the benefit of a fielding error or fielder's choice.
Three-base hit is usually sports (baseball), technical in register.
Three-base hit: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθriː.beɪs ˈhɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθri.beɪs ˈhɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: THREE bases (first, second, third) were touched after the HIT.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SIGNIFICANT ADVANCE (but not the final goal). Metaphor for a major, but not ultimate, success in a process.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct statement about a 'three-base hit'?