A2noun1K

Race

UK /["/reɪs/"]/US /["/reɪs/"]/

Definition

a competition between people, animals, vehicles, etc. to see which one is the faster or fastest

In simple words: A competition to see who is the fastest.

Examples

  • The race was thrilling, with teams competing at full speed.
  • She trained hard to win the 100-meter race at the school sports day.
  • They decided to hold a race to raise money for charity.
  • Different animal species often compete in the race for food and mates.
  • In the race for technological advancement, innovation is key.

Usage notes

Use 'race' when talking about competitions involving speed, such as running, driving, or sport. It is informal when talking about a fun, casual event but can be formal in official contexts like sports competitions.

Grammar pattern

race + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'race' as a 'race'car zooming fast across the finish line.

Collocations

  • big
  • close
  • tight
  • have
  • hold
  • organize
  • be held
  • be run
  • take place
  • meet
  • meeting
  • winner
  • in a/​the race
  • out of a/​the race
  • race against
  • close
  • tight
  • two-horse
  • be in
  • be involved in
  • join
  • in a/​the race
  • race between
  • race for
  • human
  • alien
  • mixed
  • relations
  • equality
  • discrimination
  • among races
  • between races
  • from a race
  • on the basis of race
  • on (the) grounds of race
  • human
  • alien
  • mixed
  • relations
  • equality
  • discrimination
  • among races
  • between races
  • from a race
  • on the basis of race
  • on (the) grounds of race

Synonyms

  • competition
  • contest
  • event
  • sprint
  • run

Antonyms

  • walk
  • crawl

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'race' with 'race against' (use 'race against time' when emphasizing urgency)
  • Using the plural 'races' without context, as it may imply multiple types of competitions
  • Mixing 'race' with 'racing', which refers specifically to the action rather than the event