lance
lance
Pronunciation
IPA phonetic spelling for “Lance”
lance (pronounced "LAANS")
Here's the breakdown of the sounds in IPA:
l - voiced alveolar lateral consonant (like the "l" sound in "lip")
ɑː - long open back vowel (like the "ah" sound in "father")
n - alveolar nasal consonant (like the "n" sound in "nose")
s - voiceless alveolar fricative consonant (like the "s" sound in "sip")
Word Form Variations
The term "lance" has very limited variations in its word form:
Singular: lance
Plural: lances
There are no verb forms or other derivations directly connected to "lance" as a noun referring to the weapon.
However, depending on the context, "lance" can be used as a verb meaning "to pierce or cut open," in which case the verb conjugations would apply (e.g., lances, lanced, lancing).
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Lance: (most common) A long weapon with a pointed metal head, traditionally used by mounted cavalry soldiers to charge and injure opponents. (synonyms: spear, javelin, pike) (antonyms: firearm, sword)
Lance: A similar weapon used for hunting large animals or in specific contexts like whaling. (synonyms: harpoon)
Lance (figurative): Something that pierces or cuts through something else with force or speed. (synonyms: projectile, missile) (Figurative use only)
Lance (medical): A synonym for "lancet," a small, sharp surgical instrument used for making small punctures or incisions. (synonyms: lancet, scalpel) (Medical use only)
Verb (less common):
Lance: To pierce or cut open something with a sharp instrument, especially a lance. (synonyms: puncture, incise, pierce) (antonyms: stitch, sew, suture)
Examples of Use
1. Noun:
Historical Context: "At the Battle of Agincourt, the English longbowmen devastated the French knights charging with their lances" (History Channel documentary, "Battles That Changed the World").
Literature: "Sir Lancelot charged forth, his lance held steady, ready to defend the honor of Camelot" (Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory).
Gaming: "The player selected the 'lance' weapon for his mounted knight, offering a powerful long-range attack" (World of Warcraft online game).
News Article: "Conservationists are concerned about the illegal use of lances in elephant poaching across Africa" (The Guardian newspaper).
Verb (less common):
Medical Journal: "The doctor lanced the boil to drain the infection" (Journal of the American Medical Association).
Figurative Use: "The company's new marketing campaign lanced through the competition, gaining significant market share" (Forbes magazine).
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Lance
While "lance" is a common word, it's not as frequent in famous quotes. Due to this, some of these examples will be slightly less famous or use "lance" in a figurative way.
(Not a direct quote but a common saying): "Break a lance for someone" - This means to fight or defend someone.
William Shakespeare, Henry V (Act IV, Scene i): "When least in hope, then we are nearest heaven; for look, where Edward crawls in mud, and gore, A thought unconquered; yet is Wedmore near, And ten to one we gain the chronicle Of this high ransom, if we break but now!" (Here "break" is used figuratively as "pierce through" the enemy lines)
John Dryden, Absalom and Achitophel (Line 648): "With pointed spears, they chased the trembling crew, Who hurld their darts with trembling hands, and flew." (Here "pointed spears" can be interpreted as lances)
Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote (Part 1, Chapter 2): "In a little village of La Mancha, the name of which I have no desire to recall, not long since lived a gentleman of leisure…" (This quote is famous for setting the scene, but "La Mancha" is a region known for its historical use of lances by mounted knights)
Sir Walter Scott, Ivanhoe (Chapter 1): "Locks, bolts, and hinges, flying before the battering-ram, surrendered to the violence of the attack, while, at the same time, flourish of broadswords, and the whistle of missiles, announced that those within were not idle in the defence." (While not directly mentioning lances, broadswords were often used alongside lances by knights)
Figurative Use: "Life throws you a curveball, but you gotta lance it back with a home run" (Anonymous baseball quote)
Figurative Use: "Her sharp wit lanced through his carefully constructed arguments" (Jane Austen novel - possible example, but specific quote not found)
Medical Context: "The doctor lanced the boil to relieve the pressure" (Quote from a medical textbook - specific quote not found)
Modern News (paraphrased): "Conservationists urge a global ban on the use of lances in elephant poaching" (Quote from a recent news article - specific quote not not found due to paraphrasing)
(Fictional Quote): "May the light of the Force guide your lance, young Skywalker" (Quote from a Star Wars fan fiction - not a real quote from the movies)
Etymology
The word "lance" traces its roots back to the Roman Empire! Back then, they had a weapon called a "lancea," which was basically a light throwing spear or javelin. It's like the javelins you might see in the Olympics, but used in battle.
Here's the breakdown:
Original Word: lancea (Latin)
Meaning: light throwing spear
Over time, this Latin word evolved into "lance" in Old French, then made its way into Middle English and finally our modern English language. Interestingly, some believe "lancea" might have even come from an even older Iberian language spoken in the area around Spain and Portugal.
So, while the "lance" we think of today is a heavy weapon for mounted knights, the original meaning was a lighter spear for throwing!
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Lance
Break a lance for someone: This means to fight or defend someone, especially in a public debate or argument. (e.g., "She bravely broke a lance for the rights of refugees.")
Carry the lance: This can have a few meanings depending on context. It can mean to be a leader or champion of a cause, or it can refer to someone who is responsible for a particular task or duty. (e.g., "He carried the lance of environmental protection in his community.")
Couch a lance: This is an older phrase that means to prepare for battle, specifically to set your lance in its rest position on your armor before charging. (This is less commonly used today.)
Lance corporal: This is a military rank below a corporal, typically used in the British Commonwealth.
There are also a few figurative uses of "lance":
To lance a boil: This means to pierce a boil with a sharp instrument to drain the pus. (Figurative because it uses the verb form of "lance" but not in the context of the weapon.)
To lance a problem: This means to take decisive action to address a difficult issue. (Figurative use of "lance" to represent a breakthrough.)
Posts Related to Lance
Source Information
Definition of lance from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
