Word
matching
Phoneticsmatch·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmætʃɪŋ/
UK/mˈætʃɪŋ/
Definitions
01identical or similar
A2 · Elementary
adj. having the same color, pattern, or style as something else.
adj. having an identical or very similar appearance, typically in terms of color, pattern, or design.
“The twins were wearing matching blue sweaters for the family photo.”
“The interior designer selected matching curtains and cushions to create a sense of visual harmony throughout the living room.”
02forming a pair
B1 · Intermediate
adj. designed to be used together as a set.
adj. constituting a complementary part of a pair or a set.
“I can't find the matching sock for this one anywhere.”
“The antique dealer confirmed that the matching chair was currently held in a private collection in Europe.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03the act of pairing
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the process of putting two things together because they are similar or belong together.
n. the process or act of finding a suitable partner or equivalent for something.
“The matching of students with local mentors has been very successful.”
“The algorithm handles the matching of organ donors to recipients based on a complex set of medical criteria.”
04present action of match
B1 · Intermediate
v. the -ing form of the verb 'match', used when two things are equal or go well together.
v. the present participle of 'match', used in continuous tenses to describe the act of being equal or finding a counterpart.
“She is matching the paint colors to the fabric of the sofa.”
“By matching the fingerprints found at the scene to the database, the investigators were able to identify a suspect within hours.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “matching” in context.
Verb
01. find matching socks
“I can never find matching socks in this messy laundry basket.”
verb + adj + noun
02. wear matching pajamas
“The whole family decided to wear matching pajamas on Christmas morning.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
03. matching outfits
“The twins were dressed in matching outfits for the family portrait.”
adj + noun
04. perfectly matching
“The interior designer found a perfectly matching rug to go with the velvet curtains.”
adv + adj
Noun
05. matching grant
“The charity received a matching grant, doubling every dollar donated by the public.”
adj + noun
06. matching set of chairs
“We bought a matching set of chairs to complete the dining room furniture.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“Brands may get better results by matching animal-welfare and environmental messages to the way their target consumers think about the present and the future.” “As a result, if two groups of immune cells carry matching mutations, they are highly likely to share the same origin.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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