pitching
UK[ˈpɪtʃɪŋ]US[ˈpɪtʃɪŋ]
n
The act of throwing or tossing something, especially a ball in a game.
n
The act of trying to persuade someone to buy something, accept an idea, or invest in a project.
n
The degree of slope or angle of something, especially a roof.
n
The up-and-down movement of a ship or aircraft.
Morpheme Breakdown
pitch
ing
pitch
to throw, to set
ing
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'pitching' is built upon the versatile verb 'pitch', whose own origins are somewhat obscure but likely Germanic. It may be connected to Old English words relating to thrusting or piercing, evoking the core action of throwing or fixing something decisively. The addition of the Old English noun-forming suffix '-ing' transforms the action into a concept, naming the process or instance of performing that action. This etymological path explains how 'pitching' logically encompasses diverse modern applications—from throwing a ball to setting a slope or presenting an idea—all united by the underlying sense of propelling or establishing something toward a target.
Analysis
Structure: pitch (to throw, to set) + ing (noun suffix)
- pitch: From Middle English picchen, of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old English picung 'a pricking' or Old English pīcan 'to pick'. Its functional role is as a verb root meaning to throw, fix, or set in place.
- ing: From Old English -ing, -ung, a suffix forming verbal nouns. Its functional role is to denote the action or process of the verb.
Examples
His pitching was crucial to the team's victory in the baseball game.
She spent the afternoon pitching her startup idea to potential investors.
The severe storm caused violent pitching of the ship.