Athletics Meaning and Definition
Athletics
Pronunciation
/əˈθlɪtɪks/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Physical contests or games, especially those requiring strength, speed, and agility, or a particular branch of education or training in such activities.
Examples
- The school has a strong athletics program, with teams competing in local and state tournaments.
- The Olympic Games are a premier international athletics competition.
- Many colleges and universities offer athletic scholarships to recruit top athlete students.
- The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art athletics equipment for training and exercise.
- The athletics department offers a range of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, and strength training.
Synonyms
- Sports
- Games
Antonyms
- Academics
- Mental
Etymology
The word “athletics” comes from the Greek word “athlon”, meaning “prize” or “wrestling”. It has been used to describe competitive physical activities since the 16th century.
Usage Notes
When used in a formal or official context, “athletics” typically refers to organized sports or competitions. In informal contexts, it can refer to recreational physical activities or general physical fitness.
Cultural References
Athletics has been featured prominently in popular culture, including films like “Rocky” and “The Mighty Ducks”, and TV shows like “Friday Night Lights” and “Dexter”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “He’s a real athlete” (meaning someone is skilled or talented in physical activities)
- “Athlete’s foot” (a type of fungal infection affecting the feet)
Related Words or Phrases
- Physical Education (PE)
- Sportsmanship
Collocations
- College athletics
- High school athletics
- Athletics department
- Athletics scholarship
Frequency of Use
Athletics is a widely used term, especially in educational and professional settings. It is estimated to be used approximately 1.5 times per 100,000 words in modern language.
Common Misspellings
- Athletis
- Athlitcs