[Vocabulary] claim a place on the team

[raymondaliasapollyon]

Hi,

Which of the following definitions fits the use of "claim" in "He claimed a place on the team"?

1. to ask for something of value because you think it belongs to you or because you think you have a right to it:
2. to gain, win or achieve

I'd appreciate your help.

 

[jutfrank]

2

Without context, by far the most likely interpretation of the sentence is that he was selected for the team by the coach or manager.

 

[raymondaliasapollyon]

2

Without context, by far the most likely interpretation of the sentence is that he was selected for the team by the coach or manager.

I find it difficult to determine what kind of object sense 2 takes.
When "claim" takes "victory" as the object, it does not mean "achieve victory" as sense 2 indicates.

 

[Yankee]

#1, and in that sense or context sometimes arbitrary or controversial.

 

[raymondaliasapollyon]

#1, and in that sense or context sometimes arbitrary or controversial.

Just to be sure, do you think "claim" means "to ask for something of value" in "He claimed a place on the team," pace jutfrank?

 

[Tarheel]

I think of it as more of a demand than a request. The person is saying it is something they deserve.

(My opinion.)

 

[raymondaliasapollyon]

I think of it as more of a demand than a request. The person is saying it is something they deserve.

(My opinion.)

Are you referring to the example sentence "He claimed a place on the team"?

 

[Tarheel]

Yes. (That's the one we're talking about.)

 

[raymondaliasapollyon]

Yes. (That's the one we're talking about.)

You don't think the second sense of "claim," i.e. to gain, win, or achieve, is applicable?

 

[emsr2d2]

It depends on context. I would say that if a place on the team was on offer, he demonstrated the requisite talent/ability to play well, and the place was given to him, then he "claimed" it by "winning/achieving" it.

 

[raymondaliasapollyon]

It depends on context. I would say that if a place on the team was on offer, he demonstrated the requisite talent/ability to play well, and the place was given to him, then he "claimed" it by "winning/achieving" it.

You seem to be saying the second sense applies. What about the first?

 

[Tarheel]

You seem to be saying the second sense applies. What about the first?

Ems said:

It depends on context.
:roll:

 

[raymondaliasapollyon]

Ems said:

It depends on context.
:roll:

Is there a contradiction in ""He claimed a place on the team, but he was rejected"?

I reckon context has limits. I've met people who say "claim victory" cannot mean "achieve victory," despite the second sense I listed.

 

[jutfrank]

It depends on context.

Absolutely.

I thought (perhaps mistakenly) that raymondaliasapollyon was asking about the most likely interpretation without added context.

Is that right, Raymond?

 

[Tarheel]

Is there a contradiction in "He claimed a place on the team, but he was rejected"?

No, there is no contradiction.

 

[Tarheel]

Do you know what a claim is?
www.dictionary.com

 

[jutfrank]

I've just asked four other people what their interpretations are, and all four of them agree with me that the verb claim means that he took a place, rather than just asked.

I'm fairly surprised that posts #4 and #6 take the other interpretation. I really do think that's much less likely.

 

[Yankee]

Among many similar definitions:"A demand for something due or believed to be true". And I'm seeking "four other people" who agree with me. :-D

 

[Tarheel]

I have decided that "He claimed a place on the team" means the same as "He joined the team"

I haven't seen that phrase before, and I doubt that I ever will again.

I'm out of here!
:hi:

 

[raymondaliasapollyon]

Absolutely.

I thought (perhaps mistakenly) that raymondaliasapollyon was asking about the most likely interpretation without added context.

Is that right, Raymond?

I'm exploring the limits of context. Is there a contradiction in "John claimed the watch, but the police didn't give it to him"?