 |
| |||||||||
match2 S2 W2
1 if one thing matches another, or if two things match, they look attractive together because they are a similar colour, pattern etc [↪ matching]: 
We painted the cabinets green to match the rug.Do you think this outfit matches? a beech dining table with four chairs to match (=chairs that match it) ! Do not say that one thing 'matches to' or 'matches with' another. Say that one thing matches another or that two things match.
look good together
[intransitive and transitive]We painted the cabinets green to match the rug.Do you think this outfit matches?a beech dining table with four chairs to match (=chairs that match it)2 two things that match look the same because they are a pair : Your socks don't match.
look the same
[intransitive and transitive]Your socks don't match.3 if two things match, or if one matches the other, there is no important difference between them : The suspect matched the descriptions provided by witnesses. Their actions do not match their words.
seem the same
[intransitive and transitive]The suspect matched the descriptions provided by witnesses.Their actions do not match their words.4 to be suitable for a particular person, thing, or situation [= suit]: Teaching materials should match individual students' needs. We'll help you find a home that will match your requirements.
suitable
[transitive]Teaching materials should match individual students' needs.We'll help you find a home that will match your requirements.5 to put two people or things together that are similar to or somehow connected with each other
connect
[transitive] match something to/with something Can you name the animals and match them to the correct countries? All checked-in baggage must be matched with a passenger travelling on the aircraft.
Can you name the animals and match them to the correct countries?All checked-in baggage must be matched with a passenger travelling on the aircraft.6 to be equal to something in value, size, or quality : His strength is matched by his intelligence. Few cities in Europe can match the cultural richness of Berlin. Fancy designer labels tend to come with fancy price tags to match.
be equal
[transitive]His strength is matched by his intelligence.Few cities in Europe can match the cultural richness of Berlin.Fancy designer labels tend to come with fancy price tags to match.7 to make something equal to something else
make equal
[transitive] match something to something Lindsey matched her steps to those of the other girl as they walked. an attempt to match financial resources to need
Lindsey matched her steps to those of the other girl as they walked.an attempt to match financial resources to need8 to give a sum of money that is equal to a sum given by someone else : The government has promised to match any private donations to the earthquake fund.
give money
[transitive]The government has promised to match any private donations to the earthquake fund.9 if you are matched against someone else in a game or competition, you are competing against them
competition
[transitive usually passive]match up
phrasal verb1 to put two people or things together that are related to or suitable for each other : The employment agency exists to match up graduates and IT companies.
match somebody/something ↔ up
The employment agency exists to match up graduates and IT companies. match somebody/something ↔ up with My mother spent her life trying to match me up with various women.
My mother spent her life trying to match me up with various women.2 if two things match up, they seem the same or are connected in some way : Their accounts just don't match up.
Their accounts just don't match up. match up with The DNA samples found on her body did not match up with a sample taken from the accused.
The DNA samples found on her body did not match up with a sample taken from the accused.3 to be as good as you hoped, expected etc [= measure up to]: Unfortunately, the product's performance did not match up to the manufacturer's promise.
match up to somebody's hopes/expectations/ideals etc
Unfortunately, the product's performance did not match up to the manufacturer's promise.
