Athletics
/æθˈlɛtɪks/
nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Sports and games involving physical prowess and skill.
/æθˈlɛtɪks/
nounneutralBeginner
General
Sports and games involving physical strength, skill, and endurance.
She excels in athletics, particularly track and field.
💡 Simply: Sports and games that require physical activity.
More Examples
2
The university has a strong athletics program.
How It's Used
Education
"The school's athletics program is very successful."
Professional Sports
"Track and field is a major part of professional athletics."
From Greek ἀθλητικός (athlētikós), from ἄθλησις (áthlēsis) "contest, competition," from ἀθλέω (athléō) "to contend in a contest."
Historically, 'athletics' referred more broadly to physical training and competition, encompassing activities beyond modern sports.
Memory tip
Think 'athlete' - it's all about athletic competition.
Practice
Base: athlete
athlecticsatheleticsathlitics
Usage
25%Spoken
75%Written