How Do You Spell ALSO RAN?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒlsə͡ʊ ɹˈan] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "also ran" is not intuitive from its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be represented as /ˈɔlsoʊ ræn/, with the stress on the first syllable of "also" and the second syllable of "ran". The word "also" is spelled as expected, but the "ran" in "also ran" is actually the past tense of "run", despite not having the -ed suffix. "Also ran" refers to a person or thing that was not successful or did not place in a competition or election.

ALSO RAN Meaning and Definition

1. An "also ran" is a noun that refers to a person or entity, usually in the context of a competition or election, who fails to win or achieve notable success. Originating from the world of horse racing, an "also ran" is a horse that finishes the race without placing in the top positions. This term has since been adopted to describe any participant, individual, or team that does not achieve a significant level of accomplishment or recognition.

   In a broader sense, an "also ran" can refer to someone or something that is considered to be of lesser importance, influence, or popularity compared to others in a particular field. It implies a lack of distinction, success, or excellence. "Also ran" is often used to describe a competitor who is overshadowed by more outstanding performers, often serving as a contrast or comparison to highlight the superior qualities of the winners or frontrunners.

   The term can also be applied to political candidates who lack sufficient support or votes to be considered serious contenders for a position. In this context, an "also ran" candidate is normally viewed as having little chance of winning an election, and their campaign is typically met with limited attention or interest.

   Overall, an "also ran" is an individual or entity that does not achieve a noteworthy or successful outcome within a competition, election, or their respective field, often languishing in relative obscurity.

Common Misspellings for ALSO RAN

• alsoran
• allso-ran
• also-ran
• alsewran
• alsowran
• allsoran
• alsorann

Etymology of ALSO RAN

The term "also ran" originated in the context of horse racing. It dates back to the early 19th century, specifically to the sport of steeplechase racing. During a race, the first horse to cross the finishing line is the winner, and the remaining horses become the "also rans", meaning they did not win.

The etymology of the phrase itself suggests that it is derived from the expression "to run also", which was used to describe horses that participated in a race but did not win. Over time, "to run also" transformed into "also ran". The term gradually began to be used in other contexts, such as politics or sports, to describe someone who may have competed but did not achieve victory or any notable success.