match
UK[mætʃ]US[mætʃ]
n
a contest or game in which people or teams compete against each other
n
a person or thing that is equal to or very similar to another
n
a short, thin piece of wood or cardboard with a chemical on one end that produces a flame when rubbed against a rough surface
v
to be equal or similar to something else
v
to find or provide something that is suitable or appropriate for something else
Etymology
The modern English word 'match' represents a fascinating convergence of two distinct historical strands. The noun meaning 'contest' or 'equal' derives from the Old English 'gemæcca', meaning 'mate, companion, one of a pair', which is related to 'macian', meaning 'to make'. This sense evolved from the idea of two things being 'made' or suited for each other. The noun for the fire-making implement entered English in the 14th century from Old French 'mesche' (wick of a candle), likely via Vulgar Latin, and is ultimately of Greek origin. The semantic link between the two main modern meanings lies in the concept of pairing or correspondence: a contest pairs opponents, an equal is a counterpart, and a fire-match pairs with a surface to create a flame.
Analysis
The word 'match' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It is not productively formed from separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The championship match will be held next Saturday.
The paint was a perfect match for the original color.
He struck a match to light the candle in the dark room.