Pentathlete Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pentathlete

[ˈpɛnθəˌθiːt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sports competition

A pentathlete is an athlete who participates in a pentathlon, which is a sporting event comprising five different disciplines. The modern pentathlon includes fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, and a combined event of pistol shooting and cross-country running. These athletes require a diverse skill set to excel in each of the five events.

Synonyms

multi-sport athlete, pentathlon competitor.

Examples of usage

  • The pentathlete trained rigorously to improve her swimming skills.
  • During the Olympics, the pentathlete showcased her versatility across multiple sports.
  • He became a professional pentathlete after years of dedicated training.
  • As a pentathlete, she had to balance her time between five different sports.

Translations

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Origin of 'pentathlete'

The word 'pentathlete' originates from the Greek word 'pentathlon,' which itself is a combination of 'pente,' meaning 'five,' and 'athlon,' meaning 'contest' or 'race.' The event was part of the ancient Olympic Games, where it was designed to test a competitor's skill across multiple disciplines. The modern pentathlon was introduced in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, created by Baron Pierre de Coubertin as a means of simulating the experience of a soldier in the field. The pentathlon has evolved since then, with its disciplines reflecting a need for versatility and endurance.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,077, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.