VocabDictionary

tênis de mesa

/ˈtẽ.nis dʒi ˈme.zɐ/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight, hollow ball back and forth across a table divided by a net using small rackets.

Example Sentences:
  • Eles jogam tênis de mesa no clube todos os fins de semana.
  • O tênis de mesa exige reflexos rápidos e muita concentração.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “tênis de mesa”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

A literal translation of the English term 'table tennis'. The word 'tênis' is a loanword from the English 'tennis' (derived from the Old French 'tenez', meaning 'hold' or 'take'), while 'de mesa' is the Portuguese prepositional phrase meaning 'of table'. It emerged in the late 19th century as a parlor game played by the British upper class, eventually evolving into the competitive sport known globally today.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'tennis' match shrunk down to fit perfectly on a 'mesa' (table in Spanish/Portuguese context).

Frequently Asked Questions About “tênis de mesa

1. What is the meaning of “tênis de mesa” in English?

In English, tênis de mesa (noun) is defined as: “A sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight, hollow ball back and forth across a table divided by a net using small rackets.”.

2. How do you use “tênis de mesa” in a sentence?

Eles jogam tênis de mesa no clube todos os fins de semana.

3. What are English synonyms of “tênis de mesa”?

Common synonyms include:pingue-pongue,ping-pong

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “tênis de mesa”?

A literal translation of the English term 'table tennis'. The word 'tênis' is a loanword from the English 'tennis' (derived from the Old French 'tenez', meaning 'hold' or 'take'), while 'de mesa' is the Portuguese prepositional phrase meaning 'of table'. It emerged in the late 19th century as a parlor game played by the British upper class, eventually evolving into the competitive sport known globally today.