Athletic: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when referring to someone who participates in sports or physical activities and often excels in them.

• She has an athletic build from years of playing soccer.
• His athletic performance at the track meet was impressive.

Focuses on physical strength and the ability to perform tasks that require muscle power.

• He is incredibly strong, able to lift heavy weights.
• Her strong arms helped her excel in swimming.

Refers to someone who is in good physical shape, often due to regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

• He's very fit because he goes to the gym regularly.
• Staying fit is important for overall health.

Used for someone who engages in a lot of physical activities or keeps themselves busy.

• He leads an active lifestyle by hiking every weekend.
• Despite her age, she remains very active and takes daily walks.

Describes someone who enjoys and is inclined to participate in sports, often as a hobby rather than professionally.

• She wears sporty clothes even when she's not exercising.
• He's a sporty person who loves playing basketball and tennis.

Used to describe a person who is physically fit and engaged in sports or physical activities.

• She has an athletic build and plays basketball regularly.
• John is very athletic; he runs every morning.

Describes a person or style that is casual and suitable for sports and other physical activities. It can also imply a love for sports in general.

• She has a sporty look with her sneakers and tracksuit.
• Being a sporty person, he enjoys hiking and playing tennis on weekends.

Describes a person or thing that appears physically fit or resembles an athlete, whether or not they actually participate in sports.

• Despite never working out, he has an athletic-looking physique.
• The statue is athletic-looking, capturing the essence of a runner.

Refers to clothing specifically designed for physical activities such as exercise, sports, or general active movement.

• She loves shopping for new activewear at the sports store.
• These leggings are part of the latest activewear collection.

Suitable for describing someone who is physically strong, fit, and active or something related to sports or physical activities.

• She has an athletic build
• The company designs athletic clothing

Typically used to describe someone who plays sports, often with an emphasis on fair play, ethics, and the spirit of the game. Commonly used in British English.

• He is not just a good player, but a true sportsman
• She admires his sportsmanship and integrity

Used for a person who is proficient in sports and physical exercises, often referring to someone who competes in organized events.

• He is a professional athlete
• The event attracted top athletes from around the world

Often refers to a person who is very enthusiastic about sports, particularly in the context of high school or college. It can carry a negative connotation as it might imply less intellectual capability.

• He's a typical high school jock, always in the gym
• Some people think jocks only care about sports