Cool MateContest vs Joust
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Contest
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Joust
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Contest
| Contest | Joust | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒntest/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːntest/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //dʒaʊst//🇺🇸 //dʒaʊst// |
| Meaning | A game or event where people try to win or show who is best. | A game where two people fight on horses with long sticks. |
| Example | She won the baking contest with her delicious chocolate cake. | The knights would often joust to prove their bravery. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | close, equal, even, have, hold, run, take place, during a/the contest, in a/the contest, out of a/the contest, a contest of skills, a contest of strength, be no contest, close, equal, even, have, hold, run, take place, during a/the contest, in a/the contest, out of a/the contest, a contest of skills, a contest of strength, be no contest | jousting tournament, knight joust, joust on horseback |
| Antonyms | agreement, peace | retreat, avoid |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'context' — make sure to differentiate between competition and situation., Using 'contests' as a verb — remember it's a noun., Saying 'participate in a contest' instead of 'take part in a contest'. | Confused with 'jousting' - the action vs. the noun., Using 'joust' in a non-competitive context when it implies combat., Mistakenly using it as a regular verb for any competition. |
| Usage notes | Use 'contest' in both formal and informal situations, such as competitions or challenges. Avoid slang contexts. | Typically used in historical or fantasy contexts. Avoid in casual modern conversations. It's best suited for literature and discussions about medieval times. |
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Frequently asked questions: Contest vs Joust
What's the difference between Contest and Joust?
Contest: A game or event where people try to win or show who is best. Joust: A game where two people fight on horses with long sticks.
Which is more common: Contest and Joust?
Contest is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Contest: She won the baking contest with her delicious chocolate cake. Joust: The knights would often joust to prove their bravery.
Can I use Contest and Joust interchangeably?
Not always. Contest and Joust are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.