Semifinal Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 5, 2024
Semifinal refers to a competition round preceding the final, typically involving the last four competitors or teams, determining who advances to the final match or round. e.g., She advanced to the tennis tournament's semifinal.
Table of Contents
Semifinal Definitions
One of the last two stages in a tournament.
He watched the exciting basketball semifinal.
A match or round immediately before the final in a competition.
The soccer team won their semifinal match.
A penultimate competition determining finalists.
The athlete reached the semifinal in the Olympics.
A playoff game before the championship round.
She scored the winning goal in the semifinal.
A contest deciding the final participants.
The chess semifinal was intensely competitive.
A pre-final stage in a series of contests.
The gymnast performed brilliantly in the semifinal.
An elimination round in competitive events.
They celebrated their victory in the semifinal.
A round in a tournament where four competitors remain.
The swimmer qualified for the semifinal round.
The second-to-last phase of a competition.
The debate team reached the semifinal stage.
A match leading to the final in sports or games.
The rugby semifinal attracted many fans.
A match, competition, or examination that precedes the final one.
One of the two competitions of the next to the last round in an elimination tournament.
(sports) A playoff in the round with only four players or teams left, the stage before the final.
A competition that narrows a field of contestants (semifinalists) to a set of finalists, for a subsequent final.
One of the two competitions in the next to the last round of an elimination tournament
Semifinal Snonyms
Penultimate Round
The second-to-last round in a series that determines finalists.
In the penultimate round, the competition intensified among the remaining contestants.
Playoff
A game that determines advancement in a tournament, especially one that leads to the final.
The playoffs were tense, but they secured their spot in the semifinal.
Qualifier
A match or round that determines which teams or players advance to the next stage, such as a semifinal.
Their victory in the qualifier was decisive, propelling them into the semifinals.
Eliminator
A game or match whose outcome eliminates the loser from further competition, leading up to the semifinal.
The eliminator was a tough match, but it determined who would proceed to the semifinal.
Championship Qualifier
A match or round that determines which competitors advance to the championship or final.
Winning the championship qualifier was the key to their dream of playing in the final.
Preliminary Final
A match that precedes the final, determining one of the participants in the final.
The team made it through the preliminary final and is now headed to the championship.
Knockout Round
A stage in a competition where the loser is eliminated from the tournament, often preceding the final rounds.
The team faced a challenging knockout round but emerged victorious, advancing to the semifinal.
Final Four
Specifically in tournaments, one of the last four competitors or teams, competing in the semifinals.
The final four teams are ready to compete for a spot in the championship game.
Pre-final
A stage in a tournament that directly precedes the final, often synonymous with the semifinal.
Their hard work paid off, and they're now preparing for the pre-final match.
Second-last Stage
The stage before the last in a tournament, often the semifinal.
Reaching the second-last stage was a significant achievement for the young athlete.
Semifinal Idioms & Phrases
Semifinal showdown
A highly anticipated or crucial confrontation or event in the penultimate round of a competition.
The basketball tournament was heating up, with fans eagerly awaiting the semifinal showdown.
Semifinal hurdle
A significant challenge or obstacle that must be overcome in the second-to-last stage of a process.
For many students, the comprehensive exams are the semifinal hurdle before beginning their final thesis.
Semifinal pressure
The stress or tension associated with competing in or approaching the semifinal round of a contest.
The athletes felt the semifinal pressure as they prepared for one of the biggest games of the season.
A semifinal clash
A direct and significant competition or conflict in the semifinal round.
The semifinal clash between the two top-ranked teams was expected to be a highlight of the tournament.
A semifinal spot
A position or place in the next-to-last round of a competition or series.
She secured a semifinal spot in the national spelling bee, surpassing dozens of competitors.
Semifinal caliber
Having the quality or ability typical of a competitor who can reach the semifinal stage.
Her performance throughout the season was definitely of semifinal caliber.
Reach the semifinal stage
To advance to an advanced or critical phase in a process or competition.
After months of hard work, the team reached the semifinal stage of the innovation contest.
Semifinal jitters
Nervousness or anxiety experienced before or during a semifinal round of a competition.
Despite her experience, she couldn't shake off the semifinal jitters before her performance.
A semifinal berth
Earning a place or position in the semifinal round of a tournament.
The young athlete earned a semifinal berth in her first international competition.
Semifinal barrier
A metaphorical barrier representing the challenge of progressing past the semifinal round.
Breaking through the semifinal barrier was his greatest achievement in his professional tennis career.
A ticket to the semifinal
Gaining access or the opportunity to compete in the semifinal round.
Their impressive win in the quarterfinals secured them a ticket to the semifinal.
Semifinal stage fright
Nervousness or fear experienced specifically in the semifinal round of a performance or competition.
She overcame her semifinal stage fright to deliver a stunning performance.
Beyond the semifinal
To surpass an intermediate stage and move towards the final or a more advanced phase.
His goal was not just to reach but to go beyond the semifinal in the international chess championship.
In the semifinal mix
Being among the competitors or candidates who have a chance to participate in the semifinals.
With their latest victory, they were firmly in the semifinal mix for the league championship.
The road to the semifinal
The process or journey one undertakes to reach the semifinal stage of a competition.
The documentary focused on the team's challenging road to the semifinal.
Semifinal heartbreak
The disappointment or sorrow of losing or being eliminated in the semifinal round.
The team experienced semifinal heartbreak after a narrow loss in the last minutes of the game.
Semifinal stamina
The endurance or resilience required to successfully compete in the semifinal round.
It took considerable semifinal stamina to outlast the competition in the marathon.
Semifinal underdog
A competitor in the semifinal who is generally expected to lose or perform poorly against their opponent.
As a semifinal underdog, he surprised everyone with an upset victory.
Semifinal Example Sentences
Fans gathered to watch the semifinal game.
The semifinal results were unexpected and thrilling.
The semifinal was broadcast live on television.
Her performance in the semifinal was outstanding.
The team trained hard for the upcoming semifinal.
Winning the semifinal meant a chance at the title.
The semifinal tested the athletes' endurance and skill.
The tennis player's dream was to reach the semifinal.
Strategies were discussed for the crucial semifinal.
They faced a tough opponent in the semifinal.
Excitement grew as the semifinal match approached.
The semifinal victory was a moment to remember.
Reaching the semifinal was a major achievement for the team.
The coach gave a motivational speech before the semifinal.
The stadium was packed for the semifinal showdown.
Common Curiosities
What is a stressed syllable in semifinal?
The stressed syllable in "semifinal" is the third one: fi-.
How many syllables are in semifinal?
There are four syllables in "semifinal."
How is semifinal used in a sentence?
Example: "The team advanced to the semifinal round of the tournament."
What is another term for semifinal?
Another term for "semifinal" might be "penultimate round."
How do we divide semifinal into syllables?
"Semifinal" is divided into syllables as "se-mi-fi-nal."
Why is it called semifinal?
It's called "semifinal" because it is derived from "semi-", meaning half or partially, and "final," referring to the last stage of a competition. It indicates the round before the final round.
What is the verb form of semifinal?
"Semifinal" does not have a verb form as it is a noun.
What is the singular form of semifinal?
The singular form is "semifinal."
What is the plural form of semifinal?
The plural form is "semifinals."
Is semifinal an abstract noun?
"Semifinal" is a concrete noun, referring to a specific round in a competition.
What is the pronunciation of semifinal?
Semifinal is pronounced as /ˌsɛm.iˈfaɪ.nəl/.
What is the root word of semifinal?
The root words of "semifinal" are "semi-" and "final."
Is semifinal a noun or adjective?
"Semifinal" is primarily used as a noun.
What part of speech is semifinal?
"Semifinal" is a noun.
Is semifinal a vowel or consonant?
"Semifinal" is a word, not a single vowel or consonant.
Is semifinal a collective noun?
"Semifinal" is not a collective noun; it refers to a specific stage in a series of events.
Is the word “semifinal” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Semifinal" can serve as a direct object in a sentence.
What is the opposite of semifinal?
The opposite of "semifinal" could be "final," referring to the last round.
Is semifinal an adverb?
No, "semifinal" is not an adverb.
Is the semifinal term a metaphor?
"Semifinal" is not typically used as a metaphor; it's a specific term in competitive contexts.
Is the word semifinal Gerund?
No, "semifinal" is a noun and not a gerund.
Which preposition is used with semifinal?
Prepositions like "in," "to," or "during" can be used with "semifinal."
Which conjunction is used with semifinal?
Conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "or" can be used with "semifinal."
Is the word semifinal imperative?
No, "semifinal" is a noun and cannot be imperative.
Which article is used with semifinal?
The articles "the," "a," or "an" can be used with "semifinal," depending on the context.
Is semifinal a negative or positive word?
"Semifinal" is neutral; it is neither inherently negative nor positive.
Is semifinal a countable noun?
Yes, "semifinal" is a countable noun.
Which determiner is used with semifinal?
Determiners like "the," "a," "this" can be used with "semifinal."
Which vowel is used before semifinal?
The use of a vowel before "semifinal" depends on the context and the preceding word.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
