Beat Meaning
Beat Definition & Usage
To strike something with force or repeatedly, often resulting in an impact or sound.
Examples
- "She beat the drum to signal the start of the parade."
- "He beat the rug to get rid of the dust."
- "The waves beat against the shore with a constant rhythm."
- "He was so angry that he beat the wall with his fists."
- "The boxer beat his opponent with a swift right hook."
To exceed in performance, achievement, or capability, often in a competitive setting.
Examples
- "She beat all the other contestants in the singing competition."
- "The company beat its sales projections by a wide margin."
- "He managed to beat his own record in the marathon."
- "The young team beat the seasoned veterans in a surprising upset."
- "They beat the clock by finishing the project ahead of schedule."
To produce a rhythmic sound, often in reference to a drum or heart.
Examples
- "The music beat strongly in the background, setting the tone for the party."
- "The drummer's hands moved fast, and the beat of the song echoed through the hall."
- "I could hear my heart beating wildly as I prepared for the big test."
- "The clock ticked and its steady beat filled the silence of the room."
- "She tapped her foot to the beat of the song."
A regular rhythmic pulse or sound, especially in music or natural phenomena.
Examples
- "The beat of the music was infectious, and everyone started dancing."
- "He could feel the beat of the drum in his chest during the performance."
- "The rhythmic beat of the train wheels against the tracks was soothing."
- "I can’t concentrate with that constant beat from the neighbor’s stereo."
- "The beat of the song was perfect for a workout session."
A defeat, especially in a competitive or adversarial context.
Examples
- "The team suffered a painful beat in the final match of the tournament."
- "Despite the beat, they were proud of their performance."
- "The boxer took his first real beat in the ring last night."
- "She hated the feeling of defeat, especially after a close beat."
- "The company experienced a significant beat in the stock market after the crisis."
Cultural Context
The word 'beat' has evolved over time, originating from Old English 'bēatan', meaning 'to strike'. Its usage has diversified significantly, encompassing meanings related to competition, music, and even metaphorical contexts such as defeating others or rhythmically moving to music. In modern culture, it is widely used in sports, music, and everyday expressions like 'beating the odds'.
The Beat of Triumph
Story
The Beat of Triumph
In a small town known for its passion for running, Clara was preparing for the biggest race of her life. Her rivalry with Jess, the reigning champion, was well-known. For months, Clara had been training hard, her feet pounding the pavement as she aimed to break Jess’s record. On race day, the air was thick with anticipation as runners lined up. The starting gun sounded, and Clara’s feet beat against the ground with a rhythm that matched the pounding of her heart. As she surged ahead, the crowd’s cheers blended into the beat of the drum from a nearby marching band. Jess, struggling to keep pace, seemed to falter. Clara could feel the strain, but her determination was stronger than ever. With every step, she knew she had to beat not only Jess but also her own limitations. As they approached the final stretch, Clara pulled ahead, crossing the finish line just moments before Jess. She had done it—she had beaten the odds and defeated the champion. Clara’s heart raced as the realization set in: she had beaten Jess’s time and set a new record. That night, as she celebrated, the rhythm of the victory still echoed in her ears, a reminder of the relentless effort it took to achieve her dream.
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