Sportspeople Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sportspeople

[ˈspɔːtsˌpiːpl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in the field

People who are skilled and actively participate in sports or athletic activities.

Synonyms

athletes, sportsmen, sportswomen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
athletes	General term for individuals who are skilled in sports and physical activities, applicable to both males and females. "The athletes competed in the marathon with great stamina "; "Both amateur and professional athletes participated in the games "
sportsmen	Refers specifically to male individuals who engage in sports and physical activities, though it is sometimes used generically. It can be perceived as outdated or less gender-inclusive. "The sportsmen were honored at the awards ceremony "; "Older publications often refer to male players as sportsmen "
sportswomen	Refers specifically to female individuals who engage in sports and physical activities. It emphasizes the gender of the participants. "The sportswomen showed remarkable skill and dedication during the championship "; "There has been a significant increase in the number of professional sportswomen "

Word

Description / Examples

athletes

General term for individuals who are skilled in sports and physical activities, applicable to both males and females.

"The athletes competed in the marathon with great stamina
"; "Both amateur and professional athletes participated in the games
"

sportsmen

Refers specifically to male individuals who engage in sports and physical activities, though it is sometimes used generically. It can be perceived as outdated or less gender-inclusive.

"The sportsmen were honored at the awards ceremony
"; "Older publications often refer to male players as sportsmen
"

sportswomen

Refers specifically to female individuals who engage in sports and physical activities. It emphasizes the gender of the participants.

"The sportswomen showed remarkable skill and dedication during the championship
"; "There has been a significant increase in the number of professional sportswomen
"

Examples of usage

Sportspeople need to maintain a high level of physical fitness to excel in their chosen sport.
Many sportspeople are role models for aspiring athletes around the world.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in competitions

Individuals who compete in sports professionally or as amateurs.

Synonyms

competitors, contestants, players.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sportspeople	General term for individuals who participate in sports, either professionally or recreationally. The sportspeople gathered for the annual awards ceremony. Many sportspeople train for years to compete at the Olympic Games.
competitors	Refers to individuals or teams who are actively competing in a specific event or sport. The competitors lined up for the start of the race. She always respects her competitors and values fair play.
contestants	Commonly used in contexts of competitions or contests that may not strictly be sports, such as game shows or talent competitions. The contestants were nervous before the final round of the quiz show. Each of the contestants showcased their best skills in the cooking competition.
players	Primarily used for individuals who play team sports or games. The players took their positions on the football field. She is one of the best basketball players in her school.

Examples of usage

Sportspeople from different countries gather to compete in the Olympic Games.
The dedication and hard work of sportspeople often lead to success in major competitions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'sports' originated from the Old French word 'desport', meaning 'to carry away' or 'amusement'.
In ancient Greece, sportspeople competed in events like the Olympics, which began in 776 BC, showcasing their skills and strength.
The modern concept of a professional athlete started in the 19th century, with organized sports leagues emerging in various countries.

Cultural Impact

In many cultures, sportspeople are celebrated figures, often serving as role models for young people.
Athletes have influenced fashion trends, with sportswear brands often using their fame to market products.
Special events, like the Olympics and World Cups, highlight sportspeople from all over the world, fostering a sense of global unity.

Psychology

Studies show that physical activity leads to increased levels of happiness and decrease in stress for sportspeople.
Team dynamics among sportspeople can enhance social skills and promote teamwork, which are valuable outside of sports.
The pressure and competitive nature can lead to mental health challenges, prompting the importance of psychological support for athletes.

Technology

Wearable technology like fitness trackers help sportspeople monitor their performance and health in real time.
Advancements in sports science, such as biomechanics, have led to better training methods for athletes, improving their performance.
Social media platforms allow sportspeople to connect with fans directly, shaping their public image and brand.

Diversity in Sports

Women have made significant strides in sports, with female sportspeople now gaining more recognition and opportunities than ever before.
There is a growing focus on inclusivity and representation in sports, encouraging participation from people of all backgrounds.
Adaptive sportspeople excel in competitions designed for athletes with disabilities, demonstrating resilience and inspiring others.

Origin of 'sportspeople'

The term 'sportspeople' is a modern compound word formed by combining 'sports' and 'people'. It emerged in the late 20th century as a gender-neutral alternative to terms like 'sportsman' or 'athlete'. As awareness and acceptance of gender diversity in sports increased, the use of 'sportspeople' became more common to encompass individuals of all genders participating in sports.