The spelling of "record holder" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈrɛkɔːd ˌhəʊldər/. The first syllable, "re-", is pronounced with an open mid front unrounded vowel /ɛ/ followed by the consonant cluster /k/ and the open-mid back rounded vowel /ɔː/. The second syllable, "cord", is pronounced with the consonant cluster /k/ followed by the open-mid central unrounded vowel /ɔ/. The final syllable, "-holder", is pronounced with the consonant cluster /h/ followed by the diphthong /əʊ/ and the consonant /ldər/.
A "record holder" refers to an individual, team, or entity that currently holds the title or claim to a particular record in a specific category or field. This designation is awarded based on achieving the highest, fastest, longest, most significant, or any other superlative result in a particular domain. The term is commonly used in the contexts of sports, entertainment, and various other disciplines or activities that involve quantifiable achievements.
In sports, a record holder signifies an athlete or a team that has surpassed all previous accomplishments or performances in a specific event or category. Their achievement may be recognized by a governing body, such as the International Olympic Committee, and documented in official records. The record holder showcases exceptional skills, abilities, or physical attributes that have enabled them to outperform their predecessors and contemporaries.
Outside of the sporting realm, a record holder can encompass a vast range of achievements. For instance, the Guinness World Records tracks and acknowledges various records held by individuals and groups from diverse fields, including music, science, arts, and more. These extraordinary achievements could involve the largest collection of an item, the highest-charting song, the most published books, or any other notable accomplishment in their respective areas of expertise.
In summary, a record holder is an entity that has achieved unparalleled success or accomplishment in a particular field and currently holds the title for the highest or most outstanding performance in a specific record category.
The term "record holder" is composed of two words: "record" and "holder".
The word "record" originated from the Old French word "recorde", which meant "report" or "testimony". It can be traced back to the Latin word "recordari", meaning "call to mind" or "remember". The sense of "record" as a written document or an official account emerged in Middle English.
The word "holder" derives from the Old English word "healdan", which means "to hold" or "to grasp". It has Indo-European roots and shares connections with various Germanic languages.
Therefore, when combined, "record holder" refers to a person who holds or possesses a record, usually pertaining to achievements, accomplishments, or performances in a specific field or category.