athletic

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.

“Athletic” is pronounced ath-LEHT-ihk (/æθˈlɛt.ɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “athletic” used in a sentence: “The school has an impressive athletic program.”

“Athletic” is an adjective.

The word “athletic” comes from Latin. From Latin athleticus, from Greek athletikos ("relating to an athlete"), from athletes ("athlete").

“Athletic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Athletic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to athletes or physical sports.

"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.

"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.

"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.

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.