athletic
[ath-let-ik]
- physically active and strong; good at athletics or sports: an athletic child.
- of, like, or befitting an athlete.
- of or relating to athletes; involving the use of physical skills or capabilities, as strength, agility, or stamina: athletic sports; athletic training.
- for athletics: an athletic field.
- Psychology. (of a physical type) having a sturdy build or well-proportioned body structure.Compare asthenic(def 2), pyknic(def 1).
Show More
Origin of athletic
Pronunciation note
See athlete.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for athletically
Contemporary Examples
The school, in my judgment, has always had an abusive environment—emotionally, intellectually, socially, athletically.
Historical Examples
"The Cenci" is austere; for Shelley, it is athletically economical.
The Critical GameJohn Albert Macy
Nothing could have been finer, athletically considered, than his attitude at this moment of the trader's speculative observation.
The FrontiersmenCharles Egbert Craddock
The carefully groomed, athletically muscled younger man in the big wicker lounging-chair laughed easily.
The Real ManFrancis Lynde
He was a general favourite, and, though not athletically inclined, was always ready to assist in acting cox or kindred work.
Two Daring Young PatriotsW. P. Shervill
Then, of course, there is the young person who is athletically inclined, and insists on wearing sport clothes on all occasions.
Book of Etiquette, Volume 2Lillian Eichler Watson
athletic
- physically fit or strong; muscular or active
- of, relating to, or suitable for an athlete or for athletics
- of or relating to a person with a muscular and well-proportioned bodySee also somatotype
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for athletically
athletic
adj.
1630s (athletical is from 1590s), "pertaining to an athlete," from Latin athleticus, from Greek athletikos, from athletes (see athlete). Meaning "strong of body; vigorous; lusty; robust" [Johnson, who spells it athletick] is from 1650s.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper