Read This Sentence From The Article:Pitcher Jean Faut Discomfited Hitters And Achieved The Rare Feat Of A Perfect Game—no Runs, No Hits, No Errors—not Once, But Twice.In This Sentence, The Word discomfited Means:A. Polished The Talents Of B.
Unraveling the Meaning of "Discomfited" in the Context of Pitcher Jean Faut's Achievements
Understanding the Term "Discomfited"
In the given sentence, "Pitcher Jean Faut discomfited hitters and achieved the rare feat of a perfect game—no runs, no hits, no errors—not once, but twice," the word "discomfited" is used to describe the impact of Jean Faut's pitching on the hitters. To comprehend the meaning of this term, let's delve into its etymology and usage.
Etymology of "Discomfited"
The word "discomfited" originates from the Old French term "desconfit," which is derived from the Latin words "des" (meaning "away from") and "confidere" (meaning "to trust" or "to have confidence in"). In essence, "discomfited" means to deprive someone of confidence or to make them feel uncertain or uneasy.
Usage of "Discomfited" in the Context of Pitching
In the context of pitching, "discomfited" implies that Jean Faut's pitches were so effective that they made the hitters feel uncertain, uneasy, or lacking in confidence. This term suggests that the hitters were unable to trust their own abilities or make solid contact with the ball, ultimately leading to their failure to score runs or achieve any hits.
Comparison with Other Options
Now, let's compare the meaning of "discomfited" with the other options provided:
A. Polished the talents of: This option suggests that Jean Faut's pitching helped to improve the hitters' skills or abilities, which is the opposite of what "discomfited" implies.
B. Made the hitters feel confident: This option is also incorrect, as "discomfited" means to deprive someone of confidence, not to instill it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the word "discomfited" in the given sentence means to deprive the hitters of confidence or to make them feel uncertain or uneasy, ultimately leading to their failure to score runs or achieve any hits. This term is a testament to Jean Faut's exceptional pitching skills and her ability to achieve the rare feat of a perfect game not once, but twice.
Additional Examples of "Discomfited"
To further illustrate the meaning of "discomfited," here are a few additional examples:
- The team's defense was discomfited by the opposing team's aggressive offense, leading to a series of turnovers and mistakes.
- The new policy discomfited many employees, who felt uncertain about their job security and future prospects.
- The complex math problem discomfited many students, who struggled to understand the underlying concepts and formulas.
In each of these examples, "discomfited" implies a sense of uncertainty, unease, or lack of confidence, which is a key aspect of its meaning in the context of Pitcher Jean Faut's achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions about "Discomfited"
Q: What does the word "discomfited" mean in the context of Pitcher Jean Faut's achievements?
A: In the context of Pitcher Jean Faut's achievements, "discomfited" means to deprive the hitters of confidence or to make them feel uncertain or uneasy, ultimately leading to their failure to score runs or achieve any hits.
Q: How is the word "discomfited" related to the Latin words "des" and "confidere"?
A: The word "discomfited" originates from the Old French term "desconfit," which is derived from the Latin words "des" (meaning "away from") and "confidere" (meaning "to trust" or "to have confidence in").
Q: What is the opposite of "discomfited" in the context of pitching?
A: The opposite of "discomfited" in the context of pitching would be a term that implies helping the hitters to feel confident or improving their skills. However, the exact opposite term is not as commonly used in English language.
Q: Can you provide more examples of how "discomfited" is used in different contexts?
A: Here are a few additional examples:
- The team's defense was discomfited by the opposing team's aggressive offense, leading to a series of turnovers and mistakes.
- The new policy discomfited many employees, who felt uncertain about their job security and future prospects.
- The complex math problem discomfited many students, who struggled to understand the underlying concepts and formulas.
Q: Is "discomfited" a commonly used word in everyday language?
A: While "discomfited" is a valid word in the English language, it is not a commonly used term in everyday conversation. However, it can be a useful word to know when describing situations where someone or something is made to feel uncertain or uneasy.
Q: Can "discomfited" be used as a synonym for other words like "confused" or "intimidated"?
A: While "discomfited" can imply a sense of uncertainty or unease, it is not always interchangeable with words like "confused" or "intimidated." "Discomfited" tends to imply a more specific sense of being deprived of confidence or made to feel uncertain, whereas "confused" or "intimidated" may imply a more general sense of being unsure or fearful.
Q: How can I use "discomfited" in a sentence?
A: Here is an example sentence:
"The pitcher's dominant performance discomfited the opposing team's hitters, who struggled to make solid contact with the ball."
In this sentence, "discomfited" implies that the pitcher's performance made the hitters feel uncertain or uneasy, ultimately leading to their failure to score runs or achieve any hits.