Word of The Day
GAMBIT
A gambit is a strategic move or opening action in which something is deliberately risked or sacrificed in order to gain an advantage later. The term is commonly used in chess, but it also applies to conversations, negotiations, business decisions, and everyday life.
đ Definitions
a clever action in a game or other situation that is intended to achieve an advantage and usually involves taking a risk
(in chess) an opening move in which a player makes a sacrifice, typically of a pawn, for the sake of a compensating advantage.
âď¸ Example Sentence
- âStarting the meeting with an unexpected question was a clever gambit to capture everyoneâs attention.â
- â The Detectiveâs Gambit of pretending to be a Potential suspect helped him solve the caseâ.
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âhis resignation was a tactical gambitâ
Origin and History
âchess opening in which a pawn or piece is risked for advantage later,â 1650s, gambett, from Italian gambetto, literally âa tripping upâ (as a trick in wrestling), from gamba âleg,â from Late Latin gamba âhorseâs hock or legâ (see gambol (n.)).
Applied to chess openings in Spanish in 1561 by Ruy Lopez, who traced it to the Italian word, but the form in Spanish generally was gambito, which led to French gambit, which has influenced the English spelling of the word. The broader sense of âopening move meant to gain advantageâ in English is recorded from 1855.
đą Why We Love This Word
Gambit captures the balance between risk and strategy. It reminds us that thoughtful risksâwhen taken intentionallyâcan open doors to opportunity, creativity, and growth. The word is both intellectually rich and highly versatile, making it useful across many contexts.
đŹ Membersâ Thoughts:
What does gambit mean to you?
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Have you ever taken a calculated risk that paid off?
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Where have you seen this word usedâin books, games, or real life?
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