battle

Everyday

1. A battle is a fight between armies, ships or planes in a war. tree →
2. A battle is any hard struggle or contest, like a battle against illness or a battle of the bands. tree →
3. To battle is to fight or try very hard against something difficult. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons battles are famous fights in wars. In stories and games, battles are fights between heroes and enemies. In everyday life, people battle illness, weather or traffic. Phrases: fight a battle, battle against, uphill battle, battle it out, losing battle.

Examples

• The two armies met in a great battle. tree →
• Grandma is battling a cold. tree →
• The firefighters battled the flames all night. tree →
• The game ended in a pillow battle. tree →
• It was an uphill battle to finish the project. tree →
• The teams battled it out in the final. tree →
• The knight was hurt in the battle. tree →
• Getting my brother to bed is a nightly battle. tree →
• A cruel battle was being fought. tree →

Note

Countable noun; regular verb: battled. Similar: fight, war (a war is many battles). In a story, "battle" can be a game or argument, not real fighting.

In Jewish tradition

A fight between armies in war. The Torah gives rules for how the priest speaks to the people before they go out.

Interpretation. The priest's speech tells soldiers not to fear because God goes with them. The rabbis read this as a sign that victory comes from God and not only from the strength of the army.

Examples

• Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, unto battle at Jahaz. (Torah DEU.2.32, JPS 1917) tree →
• And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, (Torah DEU.20.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• and divide the prey into two parts: between the men skilled in war, that went out to battle, and all the congregation; (Torah NUM.31.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• Hark! battle is in the land, and great destruction. (Prophets JER.50.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• The LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. (Prophets ISA.13.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• Make ready buckler and shield, and draw near to battle. (Prophets JER.46.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun; regular verb: battled. Similar: fight, war (a war is many battles). In a story, "battle" can be a game or argument, not real fighting.