ENGLISH
REFERENCE

matching

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈmætʃɪŋ// UK //mˈætʃɪŋ// match·ing
  1. 1 identical or similar (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    having the same color, pattern, or style as something else.

    having an identical or very similar appearance, typically in terms of color, pattern, or design.

    Example

    The twins were wearing matching blue sweaters for the family photo.

    Example

    The interior designer selected matching curtains and cushions to create a sense of visual harmony throughout the living room.
  2. 2 forming a pair (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    designed to be used together as a set.

    constituting a complementary part of a pair or a set.

    Example

    I can't find the matching sock for this one anywhere.

    Example

    The antique dealer confirmed that the matching chair was currently held in a private collection in Europe.
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  1. 3 the act of pairing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the process of putting two things together because they are similar or belong together.

    the process or act of finding a suitable partner or equivalent for something.

    Example

    The matching of students with local mentors has been very successful.

    Example

    The algorithm handles the matching of organ donors to recipients based on a complex set of medical criteria.
  2. 4 present action of match (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the -ing form of the verb 'match', used when two things are equal or go well together.

    the present participle of 'match', used in continuous tenses to describe the act of being equal or finding a counterpart.

    Example

    She is matching the paint colors to the fabric of the sofa.

    Example

    By matching the fingerprints found at the scene to the database, the investigators were able to identify a suspect within hours.

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