July 29, 2012 - Word of the Day

medal

If a person wins in a competition, he or she might be awarded a medal. A medal is a prize for success. Now that the Olympic Games have begun, so does the quest for a medal. There are three types of medals:

• A gold medal is given to someone who comes in first place.
• A silver medal goes to the person who comes in second place.
• The person who comes in third gets a bronze medal.

Of course, the most important thing about the games is not the winning of medals but the opportunity to compete in a peaceful setting that brings together the best athletes in the world. The games stand in contrast to other places in the world that are experiencing war and conflict, such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Note: The pronunciation of the word "medal" is the same as the word "metal." Most people who speak English pronounce the "t" in "metal" as a "d."

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