VocabDictionary

challenge

/ˈtʃæl.ɪndʒ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A call to someone to prove or justify something, or to engage in a competitive contest or fight.

Example Sentences:
  • She accepted the challenge to run a marathon in under four hours.
  • The opposition party issued a direct challenge to the prime minister's economic policies.
2.noun

A demanding or difficult task that tests a person's abilities.

Example Sentences:
  • Learning a new programming language can be a significant challenge.
  • The company faces major challenges in the current economic climate.
3.verb

To invite someone to engage in a contest, competition, or fight.

Example Sentences:
  • He decided to challenge the reigning champion for the title.
  • She challenged me to a game of chess.
4.verb

To question the truth, validity, or rightness of something.

Example Sentences:
  • It is important to challenge assumptions rather than accepting them blindly.
  • The defense attorney chose to challenge the reliability of the eyewitness testimony.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “challenge”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

From Old French 'chalonge' (accusative of 'chalonge'), meaning 'dispute, accusation, claim', derived from the Latin 'calumnia' meaning 'trickery, false accusation, slander'. Over time, the meaning shifted from a legal accusation or dispute to a call to engage in a contest or duel, and finally to a difficult task that tests someone's abilities.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

A 'challenge' makes you 'change' your 'all' to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions About “challenge

1. What is the meaning of “challenge” in English?

In English, challenge (noun) is defined as: “A call to someone to prove or justify something, or to engage in a competitive contest or fight.”.

2. How do you use “challenge” in a sentence?

She accepted the challenge to run a marathon in under four hours.

3. What are English synonyms of “challenge”?

Common synonyms include:dispute,test,provocation,dare,confrontation

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “challenge”?

From Old French 'chalonge' (accusative of 'chalonge'), meaning 'dispute, accusation, claim', derived from the Latin 'calumnia' meaning 'trickery, false accusation, slander'. Over time, the meaning shifted from a legal accusation or dispute to a call to engage in a contest or duel, and finally to a difficult task that tests someone's abilities.