Battle For: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
July 23, 2023

The term "battle for" usually means a hard effort or competition to get something specific, like an aim or to support a certain belief. It includes the thought of defending your position and trying hard to achieve what you think is right or desirable. This could be a physical thing, such as a prize, place, or non-physical thing, like fairness or equal rights. This shows the human desire to struggle and guard what we think belongs to us or what we hope to achieve.

In short:

  • "Battle for" denotes a fight or struggle for a specific goal or principle.
  • It indicates taking a stand or fighting for what you want or believe in.

What Does "Battle For" Mean?

The term "battle for" essentially refers to a struggle or fight for something. It symbolizes the act of competing, contending, or resisting to achieve a specific objective or upholding a certain principle.

Let's delve into its core meanings and usage:

  • "Battle for" is an expression used to depict a contest or fight for a particular objective. This could be a physical battle, like fighting for territory, or a metaphorical one, like battling for peace or justice.
  • The phrase can apply to various contexts, including personal, social, or professional situations.
    • For instance, you might use it when talking about competing for a job position ("battle for the manager's role") or when discussing a struggle for social justice ("battle for equality").
  • It conveys conflict and resistance and is often used when discussing issues involving intense competition or contention.
  • Similar expressions to "battle for" include "struggle for," "fight for," "compete for," and "contend for."

Where Does "Battle For" Come From?

The term "battle for" comes from the concept of warfare and combat. In its original sense, it referred to a physical battle or fought for a particular object or territory. However, over time, its use expanded to represent any struggle or fight, physical or metaphorical, for a specific objective or principle.

Historical Example

"The Comanche and the white man fought around its walls their forty years' battle for supremacy."

- Remember the Alamo by Amelia E. Barr, 1888

10 Examples of "Battle For" in Sentences

To help you better grasp the use of this phrase, let's examine some examples from various contexts:

  • Locked and loaded, the two opponents were ready to battle for the championship title in the final round.
  • The ongoing battle for gender equality continues to shape our society.
  • Do me a favor, and don't give up because this is a battle for your dreams that you can't afford to lose.
  • The battle for survival in the wild is a daily ordeal for many animals.
  • The siblings engaged in a battle for their father's inheritance after his sudden death.
  • After presenting all my arguments and proving my points, I rest my case. But the battle for truth continues.
  • Environmentalists battle for stricter regulations to cull the herd and maintain a healthy ecosystem.
  • To stay on top of the competition, businesses must constantly battle for innovation and improvement.
  • She refuses to roll over and accept defeat; she's determined to battle for her rights.
  • Many countries are in a battle for control over scarce natural resources.

Examples of "Battle For" in Pop Culture

The term "battle for" is commonly used in pop culture, usually symbolizing a conflict or struggle for something.

Let's take a look at some examples:

  • "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" is a 1973 film directed by J. Lee Thompson. The movie depicts a power struggle within a community of intelligent apes.
  • "Battle for Terra" is a 2007 animated film where the last few survivors of destroyed Earth fight for control of the planet Terra.
  • "Battle for the Sun" is a 2009 album by the British band Placebo. The album's title track depicts an internal struggle for self-empowerment.
  • "Cornerstones of Freedom: The Battle for Iwo Jima" is a book by Tom McGowen.
  • In the movie "Battleship" (2012), the tagline reads, "The Battle for Earth Begins at Sea," which highlights the central conflict of the film.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Battle For"

There are several other phrases that carry a similar meaning to "battle for."

Here are a few:

  • Fight for
  • Struggle for
  • Compete for
  • Contend for
  • Vie for
  • Wrestle for
  • Scramble for
  • Jostle for
  • Grapple for
  • Strive for

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Battle For":

  • What does "battle for" mean?

"Battle for" generally refers to a struggle or competition to gain or retain something.

  • How can I use "battle for" in a sentence?

You can use "battle for" in a sentence like, "Little did we know, we were going to battle for the last piece of pizza that night."

  • Where does the phrase "battle for" come from?

The phrase "battle for" originates from the literal military term "battle," meaning a fight between armed forces, but has evolved to represent any form of struggle or competition.

  • Can you use "battle for" in personal contexts?

Yes, "battle for" can be used in a personal context to describe a struggle or contest, such as "He had to battle for his rights in court."

  • Does "battle for" always imply a hostile situation?

Not necessarily. While "battle for" can imply a hostile situation, it can also describe a competitive scenario or a passionate pursuit, and it's not always negative.

  • Can "battle for" be used in a peaceful context?

Yes, "battle for" can be used in a peaceful context to describe a contest or competition, such as "The teams battled for the championship."

  • What is the significance of "battle for" in business language?

In business language, "battle for" is often used to describe competition for market share, customers, or resources.

  • Can "battle for" refer to an internal struggle?

Yes, "battle for" can refer to an internal struggle, such as "He is battling for control over his own emotions."

  • Does "battle for" imply a winner and a loser?

Typically, the phrase "battle for" does imply that there will be a winner and a loser as it's usually used to describe a competition or struggle where there's a defined outcome.

  • Is "battle for" a universal concept?

Yes, while the phrase "battle for" is English, the concept of a struggle or competition for something is universal and exists in different cultures and languages.

Final Thoughts About "Battle For"

The idiom "battle for" refers to a struggle or competition to achieve or retain something. It can be used in various contexts, including business, personal situations, or even to describe internal struggles. The phrase highlights the competitive nature of various aspects of life and the effort required to attain desired outcomes.

Here's a quick recap:

  • "Battle for" implies a competition or struggle to gain or retain something.
  • You can apply this phrase in many situations, from those related to work to personal ones. It can even describe conflicts within a person.
  • It often suggests a situation where one person succeeds and another fails. But you can also use it to describe a strong effort or challenge where the result doesn't strictly involve victory or defeat.

Many situations involve competition and difficulties. The term "battle for" offers a short and clear way to describe these scenarios. Whether you're battling for a promotion, for equality, or for control over your emotions, this phrase encompasses the effort and struggle involved.

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