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handicap

handicap

22 4.4
An extra advantage given to a player to make a match fair
  • noun
  • /ˈhændɪˌkæp/
: hándicap
  • She improved her golf game and reduced her handicap to 10 this season.

Like I love golf, so a handicap, I'm trying to get my handicap lower.

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Examples

Compounds

handicap bet
  • Jargon
6.8

A bet that gives a weaker competitor a head start to make the contest more even

How Advantageous

advantage
∞ 2.8
head start
82 2.5
edge
310 3.8
handicap
22 4.4
disadvantage
108 2.9

Surface Forms

handicap singular
handicaps plural

Etymology

Handicap began with the game hand-in-cap, and in sport it became the idea of giving extra weight or an advantage to make a match fair. That's why a 'handicap' in competition is an advantage or disadvantage given to equalize chances of winning.