race

word

/ˈɹeɪs/
rays
/ɹˈeɪs/
rays

Definition

A competition to see who is the fastest or finishes first; can also mean a group of people with similar physical characteristics, usually connected to ancestry.

Usage & Nuances

As a noun, 'race' often means a contest (sports, vehicles, animals), but is also used for human groups ('race' as in ethnicity, rarely used in modern polite conversation). As a verb: 'race' means to compete in speed. Collocations: 'win a race', 'race against time'. When talking about people, use sensitivity—'race' can be a sensitive topic.

Example Sentences

Tom won the race at school today.

basic

The marathon is a long race.

basic

People of every race live in this city.

basic

They had to race against time to finish the project.

natural

Are you going to watch the Formula 1 race this weekend?

natural

No one cares what race you are—everyone is welcome here.

natural