Fitness
/ˈfɪtnəs/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state of being in good physical condition; being healthy and strong as a result of exercise and proper nutrition.
/ˈfɪtnəs/
The condition of being physically healthy and strong.
She works out daily to improve her fitness.
💡 Simply: Fitness is like when you feel strong and healthy because you move your body and eat good food. Imagine you can run fast and jump high – that's being fit!
👶 For kids: Being healthy and strong!
More Examples
A good diet is essential for overall fitness.
The fitness test involved a series of challenging exercises.
How It's Used
"Maintaining good fitness requires regular exercise and a balanced diet."
"She assessed the fitness of the equipment before the competition."
Suitability or competence for a particular purpose or role; the state of being qualified or able to do something.
/ˈfɪtnəs/
The quality of being suitable to fulfill a particular role or task.
The lawyer questioned the fitness of the evidence presented in court.
💡 Simply: Fitness can also mean if something is right for a job or a purpose. Like, is this hammer fit for hammering? Or, is this student fit to be an engineer?
👶 For kids: Being right for something, like a good match!
More Examples
The judge had to evaluate the fitness of the witnesses to testify.
They assessed the fitness of the building's design for earthquake resilience.
How It's Used
"The fitness of the new software to the company's needs was evaluated."
"They evaluated the fitness of the candidate for the job."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
fitness freak
A person who is excessively devoted to exercise and physical fitness.
"My brother is a fitness freak; he goes to the gym every day."
be in good/poor/bad fitness
Describing the level of physical health and condition.
"He's in good fitness after a summer of training."
From Middle English 'fitnesse', derived from 'fit' + '-ness'. 'Fit' originally meant 'prepared' or 'ready'. The meaning evolved to encompass physical health and strength.
The word 'fitness' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to suitability or readiness, later evolving to include physical health and strength.
Memory tip
Think of someone feeling FIT, and remember it represents being HEALTHY and strong.
Word Origin
"fit (prepared, suitable) + -ness (state or quality of)"