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).
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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 athleticism
Contemporary Examples
They are impressive animals, solitary hunters blessed with incredible power and athleticism.
The very source of his tremendous talent and athleticism seemed to betray him.
Whether in a vehicle or out of one, Christians should not make money from publicly competing in violent displays of athleticism.
Among the giants of fantasy, athleticism, and history, is there any room for the every day hero?
You mix that with the Jamaican athleticism and they thought it could work with some of our track athletes.
Historical Examples
Athleticism is as jealous an accomplishment as any art you would acquire.
Fred had grown into a lout of a boy, whose only saving grace was athleticism.
The Hall and the GrangeArchibald Marshall
Athleticism, of which he knew nothing, filled him with admiration.
The Sins of the ChildrenCosmo Hamilton
Athleticism in England is an asceticism, as much as the monastic rules.
Twelve TypesG.K. Chesterton
Athleticism may be hopeless as a career, but as a drug it is invaluable.
Success (Second Edition)Max Aitken Beaverbrook
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
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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 athleticism
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper