What does revanche mean?
A revanche is an opportunity to answer a previous setback with another attempt, particularly after a defeat, injury, or disappointment. The word has a formal, slightly literary tone and is especially common in discussions of sports and competitive encounters, where it can mean a return match or a chance to reverse an earlier result. It can also carry the broader implication of redress or retaliation, although it generally focuses on the prospect of a second chance rather than the act of vengeance itself. For example, a team denied a place in a final might seek a revanche in the next competition. The expression is less common in everyday speech than words such as “rematch” or “second chance,” but it gives a concise description of an attempt to set the score straight or recover after an earlier setback.
nounAn opportunity to retaliate against a previous setback, defeat, or injury. It can also refer to a second attempt intended to reverse an earlier outcome.
- An opportunity to retaliate against or compensate for a previous setback, defeat, or injury.
- A second attempt or return contest intended to reverse the result of an earlier contest.
"The defeated player was granted a revanche in the following season."
"The team demanded a revanche after its controversial defeat."
"Their next performance was widely regarded as a revanche on the previous year's disappointment."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; singular usage is generally preferred.
"The rivals arranged separate revanches after their disputed matches."
Borrowed from French, “revanche” names the chance to answer a setback with a second attempt.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revanche come from?
The word was borrowed from French “revanche,” meaning a second attempt, return match, or opportunity to retaliate. Its modern English use developed in the early nineteenth century in contexts involving both personal retaliation and renewed competition. The term ultimately comes from the French verb “revancher,” historically associated with taking back, redeeming, or avenging oneself.
How revanche is actually used
Relatively formal and literary in contemporary English. It is especially associated with sport, competition, and the idea of settling a score; in many uses it suggests a second chance rather than prolonged hostility.
Easily confused with revanche
Revenge is retaliation for a perceived wrong, whereas a revanche is an opportunity to retaliate or reverse an earlier outcome.