Basic Details
Word: Underdog
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person or team that is expected to lose in a competition.
Synonyms: Dark horse, disadvantaged party
Antonyms: Favourite, champion
Idioms and Phrases
- Root for the underdog: To support someone who is at a disadvantage. Example: "Everyone loves to root for the underdog in the championship race."
- Against all odds: Succeeding when everyone expects you to fail. Example: "She won the competition against all odds, proving she was a true underdog."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The team was the underdog in the final match, but they played their hearts out and surprised everyone.
Example 2: Many movies celebrate the journey of an underdog succeeding against challenges.
Example 3: As an underdog, he gained support from the community who believed he could win.
Fun Fact
Interestingly, the term "underdog" started in the 19th century referencing dog fights, where the "underdog" was the dog expected to lose, often due to having less strength or experience.
Famous Quote
"It is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." Mark Twain
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "underdog" mean?
a) A winner in a competition
b) A person expected to win
c) A person expected to lose
d) A member of a team
Answer: c) A person expected to lose
2. Which of these is a synonym of "underdog"?
a) Hero
b) Dark horse
c) Leader
d) Star
Answer: b) Dark horse
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "underdog"?
a) Competitor
b) Favourite
c) Team member
d) Supporter
Answer: b) Favourite
4. Which sentence uses "underdog" correctly?
a) The underdog always wins the race.
b) Many people love to support the underdog in sports teams.
c) He bought an underdog at the shop.
d) The underdog is the strongest competitor.
Answer: b) Many people love to support the underdog in sports teams.
5. What does it mean to "root for the underdog"?
a) To dislike a strong team
b) To support someone at a disadvantage
c) To cheer just for the favourite
d) To favour the stronger competitor
Answer: b) To support someone at a disadvantage
