Sportsman: meaning, definitions and examples

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sportsman

[ˈspɔːtsmən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

athletic competition

A person who is skilled in sports and competes in athletic competitions. Sportsmen are often admired for their physical abilities and dedication to their chosen sport.

Synonyms

athlete, competitor, player.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sportsman	Used to describe a person who participates in sports, especially with a focus on fair play and good behavior. Often implies participation in multiple sports. He is respected as a great sportsman both on and off the field Being a sportsman, he believes in playing fair and respecting his opponents
athlete	Refers to someone who is proficient in sports and physical activities, often at a professional or competitive level. Emphasizes physical ability and fitness. The training regimen for an Olympic athlete is extremely demanding She is a talented athlete who excels in track and field events
competitor	Used to describe someone who competes in any form of contest, not necessarily sports. Implies a focus on competition and winning. As a fierce competitor, he always aims for the top spot Every competitor in the race had to undergo a rigorous qualification process
player	Often used to describe someone who participates in team sports or games, particularly those involving a specific role or position. He is the best player on the basketball team She has been the star player in the soccer league for three years

Examples of usage

He is a talented sportsman who has won multiple gold medals in swimming competitions.
The young sportsman trained hard every day to improve his basketball skills.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

ethical behavior

A man of good character and ethical principles, especially in the context of fair play and honesty in sports.

Synonyms

fair player, gentleman, honorable competitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sportsman	Used to describe someone, usually a man, who plays sports, often showing skill and a positive attitude towards the game. It can also highlight an individual's overall engagement in sports and physical activities. John is a true sportsman, always participating in marathons and keeping a healthy lifestyle.
gentleman	Originally a term to describe a man of good social standing, but in sports, it refers to someone who shows great respect, courtesy, and ethical behavior, on and off the field. It has a slightly formal and old-fashioned tone. Roger Federer is often seen as a gentleman in tennis, known for his polite demeanor both during and after matches.
fair player	Highlights someone who participates in a sport while adhering strictly to the rules and demonstrating fairness to others. This term is often used to emphasize integrity and respect in competition. Even in tough matches, Caroline is always a fair player, respecting her opponents and the referee's decisions.
honorable competitor	Refers to someone who competes with a strong sense of ethics, honor, and respect for the spirit of the game. It emphasizes moral strength and dignified behavior in competition. Despite losing the final, he is considered an honorable competitor for congratulating his opponent with grace.

Examples of usage

He is not just a great athlete, but also a true sportsman who always plays fairly and respects his opponents.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sportsman' combines 'sport' and 'man', with 'sport' originating from the Old French 'desport', meaning 'to carry away' or 'to amuse'.
The use of 'sportsman' dates back to the late 19th century, reflecting an era when athletic competitions became more organized.
Traditionally, 'sportsman' referred predominantly to men, but the term now includes all genders, reflecting changes in sports culture.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, sportsmen are often seen as role models, showcasing qualities like teamwork, discipline, and competitive spirit.
The Olympic Games, first held in ancient Greece, celebrate sportsmanship, highlighting the spirit of friendly competition among nations.
In modern contexts, sportsmen often engage in charity work, using their visibility to support various social causes, enhancing their cultural impact.

Psychology

Engaging in sports has been shown to improve mental health, boosting self-esteem and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The concept of 'sportsmanship' extends from the idea of fair play, emphasizing respect among players and officials.
Team sports can teach valuable life skills, such as cooperation and leadership, which are vital in personal and professional growth.

Statistics

According to global surveys, thousands of new sportsmen emerge each year, with young people increasingly participating in team and individual sports.
Research indicates that participation in organized sports can lead to improved academic performance in students due to enhanced focus and discipline.
Professional sports generate billions of dollars in revenue worldwide, making the role of sportsmen crucial in the sports economy.

Pop Culture

Famous sportsmen like Michael Jordan and Serena Williams have become cultural icons, influencing fashion, media, and youth culture.
Sports-themed movies and documentaries, such as 'Remember the Titans' and 'The Last Dance', celebrate the journeys of exceptional sportsmen.
Social media has transformed how sportsmen interact with fans, allowing them to share personal stories and engage directly with their audience.

Translations

Translations of the word "sportsman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atleta

🇮🇳 खिलाड़ी

🇩🇪 Sportler

🇮🇩 atlet

🇺🇦 спортсмен

🇵🇱 sportowiec

🇯🇵 スポーツ選手 (スポーツせんしゅ)

🇫🇷 sportif

🇪🇸 deportista

🇹🇷 sporcu

🇰🇷 운동선수

🇸🇦 رياضي

🇨🇿 sportovec

🇸🇰 športovec

🇨🇳 运动员

🇸🇮 športnik

🇮🇸 íþróttamaður

🇰🇿 спортшы

🇬🇪 სპორტსმენი

🇦🇿 idmançı

🇲🇽 deportista