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DictionaryraceSpeed and competition
noun / verb

race

RAYS/reɪs/

Rapid movement in an effort to reach a destination.

Two runners race side by side toward the finish line.

Two older adult runners sprint side by side toward a finish tape on a marked running track, clearly competing to cross first.
Etymology
raceOld Norserunning, rush

Old Norse rás meant a running or rush; English narrowed swift running to a contest of speed. Alternatively, the word may continue Old English ræs, “running, rush,” under Norse influence.

In context

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this penalty can either be a 150 m penalty loop that they must ski or a 1 minute time addition to their total race time. The purpose of these penalties is to balance speed and accuracy
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More examples

  • Our trip becomes a race to reach the airport on time.
  • She enters the race for mayor.
  • He races the engine while the car sits in neutral.

Forms

race · races · raced · racing

racer noun — Someone who competes in speed contests.

Similar words

rush
Emphasizes urgent movement rather than competition or winning.
hurry
Emphasizes avoiding delay, not necessarily moving at high speed.
sprint
Specifically means running at full speed over a short distance.