Battleground
Posted on December 9, 2007 - Filed Under ground
Battleground, the Word
Battleground, which is a hybrid English word that when separated into 2 words, battle and ground, is simple to understand.
The Definition of Battle
Battle, which is a noun that comes from the Latin word battalia. This also influenced the French word bataille, and is defined as a conflict between two opposing forces. These opposing forces can be any number of things, from diseases in nature vs. their host, to human versus human in a fight. The fight of a battle can be between just two people, or two groups of people. In fact, a battle can be between many groups of people, like in a world war. A battle, however, does not have to be considered an act of aggression and warfare. The word can also be used with a friendly connotation in terms of healthy competition. A battle of wits, for example is a term used to describe a competition of intelligence between two people. The Battle of the Sexes is a term to describe the ongoing, unspoken competition between men and women for the most intelligent title.
The Definition of Ground
The word ground, which is a noun, comes from the Old English word grund, which refers to a specific area, measurement or portion of earth, land or terrain. In other words, what you walk on and what we build on is ground. However, because the word ground literally refers to the most common element, carbon, the word sometimes takes the connotation of seriousness or weight in the English language in philosophy. For example, standing one’s ground means "I am firm in what I believe," which is a serious, philosophical statement.
Battleground Defined
When you place the words battle and ground together, battleground literally means earth, terrain or land which has been fought on in a battle. An excellent example of a battleground is Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where the infamous Battle of Gettysburg was executed during the American Civil War. During the Battle of Gettysburg, more soldiers were killed than in any other battle during the American Civil War.
Other Battlegrounds
War and battles do not only happen among adults and politicians. Fights and scuffles are common on playgrounds and ball grounds where sometimes large amounts of children and teens gather for activity and exercise. Playgrounds in inner city areas are especially dangerous as they are often occupied by local street gangs and drug dealers. Some politicians in areas like the Bronx, New York, work hard every year to keep playgrounds and parks safe for kids.
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