contestant

/kənˈtestənt/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtestənt/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈte-stənt also ˈkän-ˌte-/ (ame, mw)

contestant — noun

  • contestantsingular
  • contestantsplural

1. Someone who joins a game, show, or event in which people try to do better than e

1.名詞B1
釋義

Someone who joins a game, show, or event in which people try to do better than each other to win.

例句

Each contestant in the cooking competition had only one hour to prepare a main course.

contestant in [type of competition]

The game show host introduced all twelve contestants before the first question.

同義詞
  • participant

    more neutral; does not imply a winner/loser dynamic the way contestant does

  • competitor

    emphasises rivalry and the aim to defeat others; stronger and more direct than contestant

  • entrant

    focuses on the act of signing up or registering; less used during the event itself

  • player

    specific to games and sports; less natural for quiz shows or talent contests

反義詞
  • spectator

    someone who watches rather than takes part

  • viewer

    someone who watches on television or online

文法句型

contestant + in [competition/event]

常見錯誤

❌The athlete was a contestant in the marathon but did not finish.
✅The athlete was a participant in the marathon but did not finish.
💡'contestant' sounds odd in endurance sports; 'participant' or 'runner' is more natural.
❌Every contestant of the race received a medal.
✅Every contestant in the race received a medal.
💡the preposition is 'in', not 'of'.

2. A person who runs for a political office or tries to gain authority by seeking v

2.名詞B2
釋義

A person who runs for a political office or tries to gain authority by seeking votes in an election.

例句

Each contestant in the local election presented their plans for improving public transport.

contestant in an election

The three main contestants took part in a live television debate last night.

main contestant — quantifying adjective before noun

同義詞
  • candidate

    the standard term in elections; more neutral and professional than contestant

  • nominee

    someone who has been formally proposed or selected by a party

  • hopeful

    informal; emphasises ambition rather than formal status

反義詞
  • voter

    someone who chooses rather than runs

  • incumbent

    the current officeholder, who may face a contestant

文法句型

contestant + for [position]

contestant + in [election]

用法筆記

Frequently followed by 'for' + the name of the position (e.g., contestant for governor). In American English, 'candidate' is much more common than 'contestant' for elections; 'contestant' is used more in British English and in formal descriptions of competitive races.

常見錯誤

❌She was a strong contestant for the scholarship.
✅She was a strong candidate for the scholarship.
💡'contestant' implies a competition with rounds and direct rivalry; 'candidate' fits scholarships, job applications, and selections.
❌The contestant for president gave a speech.' (in everyday US news)
✅The candidate for president gave a speech.
💡In US English, 'candidate' is the standard political term; 'contestant' sounds unusual in news reporting.