Sportswoman: meaning, definitions and examples

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sportswoman

 

[ˈspɔːtsˌwʊmən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

athlete

A sportswoman is a female athlete who participates in sports competitions, representing her country or team.

Synonyms

female athlete, female competitor, female sports player.

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Word Description / Examples
sportswoman

Can be used to reference a woman who excels in sports, emphasizing her skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. Often used in formal contexts.

  • She is a renowned sportswoman who has won several international awards.
  • The sportswoman trained hard for the upcoming Olympics.
female athlete

Typically used in general contexts to refer to a woman involved in any athletic activities. Can be used informally or formally.

  • The event celebrated the achievements of female athletes across various sports.
  • As a female athlete, she has broken many records in her career.
female sports player

Usually used in casual or informal settings to refer to a woman playing sports, without necessarily highlighting her skill or competition.

  • She has been a female sports player since her school days.
  • Many female sports players participated in the friendly match.
female competitor

Used to highlight participation in competitions, often in contexts where the competitive aspect is emphasized.

  • The female competitor showed remarkable resilience during the marathon.
  • Being a female competitor in a male-dominated sport can be challenging.

Examples of usage

  • The sportswoman won a gold medal at the Olympics.
  • She is a talented sportswoman with great potential.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term combines 'sport', which comes from the Old French 'desport', meaning 'leisure', and 'woman', linking physical activity with female empowerment.
  • Throughout history, women have often been excluded from sports, but the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 saw only men compete; women weren’t allowed until 1900.
  • Title IX, passed in 1972 in the United States, mandated equal opportunities for women in sports, significantly increasing female participation.

Notable Figures

  • Billie Jean King is a celebrated sportswoman known for her contributions to tennis and advocating for gender equality in sports.
  • Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and is a role model for many.
  • Mia Hamm, a pioneer of women's soccer, helped elevate the sport globally and inspire future generations of female athletes.

Cultural Impact

  • Sportswomen have challenged stereotypes, proving that females can excel in athletic pursuits traditionally dominated by men.
  • Movies and documentaries like 'A League of Their Own' and 'The Last Dance' highlight the significant contributions of women in the sporting world.
  • Social media platforms have become vital for sportswomen to share their journeys, inspiring others while advocating for gender equality in sports.

Psychology

  • Engaging in sports can boost self-esteem and body image for women, fostering a sense of confidence and achievement.
  • Participation in team sports helps develop leadership skills and camaraderie, contributing to better mental health.
  • Research indicates that sports participation among women can lead to greater resilience and coping strategies in life challenges.

Modern Developments

  • Women’s sports leagues, like the WNBA and NWSL, have significantly grown in popularity, showcasing talent and attracting more viewers.
  • International events such as the Women’s World Cup have raised awareness and appreciation for female athletes worldwide.
  • Social movements, like #GirlDad and the push for equal pay, highlight the ongoing fight for women's rights in sports.

Translations

Translations of the word "sportswoman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esportista

🇮🇳 खिलाड़ी महिला

🇩🇪 Sportlerin

🇮🇩 olahragawati

🇺🇦 спортсменка

🇵🇱 sportsmenka

🇯🇵 スポーツウーマン

🇫🇷 sportive

🇪🇸 deportista

🇹🇷 sporcu kadın

🇰🇷 여자 운동선수

🇸🇦 رياضية

🇨🇿 sportovkyně

🇸🇰 športovkyňa

🇨🇳 女运动员

🇸🇮 športnica

🇮🇸 íþróttakona

🇰🇿 спортшы әйел

🇬🇪 სპორტსმენი ქალი

🇦🇿 idmançı qadın

🇲🇽 deportista