Athletic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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athletic

[ษ™หˆฮธlษ›tษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

physical abilities

Physically strong, fit, and active; good at sports or physical activities.

Synonyms

active, fit, sporty, strong.

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Word Description / Examples
athletic

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.
strong

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.
fit

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.
active

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.
sporty

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.

Examples of usage

  • She is very athletic and enjoys playing tennis and running marathons.
  • He has always been very athletic, excelling in various sports competitions.
Context #2 | Adjective

clothing style

Relating to or characteristic of athletes or sports.

Synonyms

activewear, athletic-looking, sporty.

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Word Description / Examples
athletic

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.
sporty

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.
athletic-looking

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.
activewear

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.

Examples of usage

  • The brand specializes in athletic wear suitable for workouts and training.
  • She prefers an athletic style of clothing, with comfortable and sporty looks.
Context #3 | Noun

person

A person who is proficient in sports and other physical activities.

Synonyms

athlete, jock, sportsman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
athletic

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
sportsman

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
athlete

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
jock

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

Examples of usage

  • He is a talented athletic, winning multiple medals in track and field events.
  • The school's athletic program produced many successful athletes over the years.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, being athletic is admired and is often seen as a sign of health and fitness.
  • The Olympic Games celebrate athleticism every four years, showcasing the world's best athletes in various sports.

Psychology

  • Research shows that being physically active can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety.
  • Athletes often train their minds to develop discipline, resilience, and focus, crucial traits not just for sports but in everyday life.

Science

  • Physically active individuals typically have better cardiovascular health, which means their hearts and lungs work more efficiently.
  • Engaging in regular athletic activities can lead to better bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis as one ages.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and shows often feature athletic characters, like superheroes or sports stars, emphasizing physical strength and skill.
  • Athletic fashion, such as sneakers and workout clothes, has become popular not just for sports but as everyday wear.

Origin of 'athletic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'athlฤ“tikos', meaning 'pertaining to athletics'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 19th century, primarily in relation to sports and physical education.

The word 'athletic' originates from the Greek word 'athletikos', meaning 'pertaining to an athlete'. The concept of athleticism has been valued throughout history, with ancient civilizations such as the Greeks emphasizing physical prowess and sports competitions. In modern times, being athletic is associated with physical fitness, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit.


See also: athletes, athletics.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,220 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.