athletic
ath-LEHT-ihk
Athletic (adjective) means relating to athletes or physical sports. Example: “The athletic club holds its annual sports day on the school field.”
adjective
1
Relating to athletes or physical sports.
"The athletic club holds its annual sports day on the school field."
"He won an athletic scholarship to study at a university abroad."
"The school has an impressive athletic program."
2
Physically strong, fit, and well-built.
"Her tall, athletic frame made her a natural choice for the netball team."
"He has an athletic build from years of training."
"She moved with athletic grace across the court."
How to use athletic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither about sports in general, or describing someone who is fit, strong, and physically capable.
Common pairings
athletic build
athletic ability
athletic department
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Word forms
- Plural
- athletics
- Comparative
- more athletic
- Superlative
- most athletic
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The _____ club holds its annual sports day on the school field.
Etymology
From Latin athleticus, from Greek athletikos ("relating to an athlete"), from athletes ("athlete").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for athletic
See all rhymes for athletic →Frequently asked questions
What does “athletic” mean?
The word “athletic” means relating to athletes or physical sports. In plain terms, either about sports in general, or describing someone who is fit, strong, and physically capable.
How do you pronounce “athletic”?
“Athletic” is pronounced ath-LEHT-ihk (/æθˈlɛt.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “athletic” in a sentence?
Here is “athletic” used in a sentence: “The school has an impressive athletic program.”
What part of speech is “athletic”?
“Athletic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “athletic” come from?
The word “athletic” comes from Latin. From Latin athleticus, from Greek athletikos ("relating to an athlete"), from athletes ("athlete").
Is “athletic” a common word?
“Athletic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “athletic” have?
“Athletic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to athletes or physical sports.
What is the difference between athletic and muscular?
"Athletic" describes a body that is strong, fit, and well-built for physical activity, while "muscular" focuses specifically on having large, well-developed muscles. Someone can be athletic and lean without being especially muscular.
What is the difference between athletic and sporty?
"Athletic" usually describes physical fitness and ability or things relating to athletes and sport, while "sporty" is more informal and can also describe a lively, casual style — as in sporty clothes or a sporty car. A person is athletic; a jacket is more likely to be sporty.
What is the difference between athletic and fit?
"Fit" simply means in good physical health and condition, while "athletic" adds the sense of being built and trained for sport, with strength and coordination. Most athletic people are fit, but not everyone who is fit looks athletic.
Does "athletic" only describe people?
No. Besides describing a strong, well-built person, "athletic" can relate to athletes or physical sports in general, as in "athletic ability," "athletic wear," or "an athletic scholarship." In this sense it classifies something as sport-related rather than describing appearance.
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