A1 noun Neutral #605 most common

athlete

/ˈæθ.liːt/

A person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise. It typically refers to someone who trains for and competes in organized events or competitions.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The young athlete runs in the park every morning.

The young athlete runs in the park every morning.

2

Professional athletes must adhere to a rigorous training schedule.

Professional sports players must follow a strict training plan.

3

He is such a natural athlete; he's good at every sport.

He is very naturally gifted at sports.

Word Family

Noun
athlete
Adverb
athletically
Adjective
athletic
Related
athletics
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'A' at the start of 'Athlete' as a person standing with their legs wide, ready to start a race.

Quick Quiz

She is a professional ______ who won a gold medal at the Olympics.

Correct!

The correct answer is: athlete

Examples

1

The young athlete runs in the park every morning.

everyday

The young athlete runs in the park every morning.

2

Professional athletes must adhere to a rigorous training schedule.

formal

Professional sports players must follow a strict training plan.

3

He is such a natural athlete; he's good at every sport.

informal

He is very naturally gifted at sports.

4

Research indicates that elite athletes have lower resting heart rates.

academic

Studies show that top sports people have slower heart rates when resting.

5

Our company is looking to sign a deal with a famous athlete.

business

Our company wants to work with a well-known sports person.

Word Family

Noun
athlete
Adverb
athletically
Adjective
athletic
Related
athletics

Common Collocations

professional athlete a person who gets paid to play sports
student athlete a student who also plays on a school team
natural athlete someone who is naturally good at sports
Olympic athlete a person who competes in the Olympic Games
star athlete a very famous or talented sports person

Common Phrases

elite athlete

a top-level or world-class sports person

amateur athlete

someone who plays sports for fun, not for money

track athlete

a person who competes in running or jumping events

Often Confused With

athlete vs athletics

Athlete is the person; athletics is the name of the sport or activity (track and field).

📝

Usage Notes

The word athlete can describe anyone good at sports, but it is most commonly used for people who compete in track and field events or high-level professional sports.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'athletics' when they mean the person. Remember: an athlete is a person, athletics is the sport.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'A' at the start of 'Athlete' as a person standing with their legs wide, ready to start a race.

📖

Word Origin

From the Greek 'athletes', meaning 'one who competes for a prize'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: athletes Takes 'a' or 'the' (e.g., An athlete)
🌍

Cultural Context

In the US, 'athlete' refers to anyone in any sport, while in the UK, it often specifically refers to track and field participants.

Quick Quiz

She is a professional ______ who won a gold medal at the Olympics.

Correct!

The correct answer is: athlete

More Sports words

football

A1

A popular team sport played with a round ball where two teams try to kick the ball into the other team's goal. It can also refer to the specific ball used to play this game.

basketball

A1

Basketball is a sport played by two teams of five players on a rectangular court. The objective is to score points by throwing a large orange ball through a raised hoop called a basket.

baseball

A1

Baseball is a team sport played with a bat, a ball, and gloves on a field with four bases. Two teams of nine players take turns hitting the ball and trying to run around the bases to score points called runs.

tennis

A1

Tennis is a popular racket sport played on a rectangular court between two players or two pairs. The goal is to hit a ball over a net into the opponent's side of the court using a racket.

volleyball

A1

Volleyball is a team sport played by two teams on a court separated by a high net. Players use their hands or arms to hit a ball back and forth over the net, trying to make the ball touch the ground on the opponent's side.

swimming

A1

Swimming is the activity or sport of moving through water using your arms and legs. It is a popular form of exercise and a competitive sport practiced in pools or open water.

running

A1

The activity or sport of moving fast on foot, often done for exercise or in a race. It involves a pace faster than walking where both feet are briefly off the ground at the same time.

cycling

A1

Cycling is the activity of riding a bicycle for exercise, sport, or travel. It involves using your legs to push pedals that turn wheels to move forward.

wrestling

A1

Wrestling is a sport where two people fight by holding and throwing each other to the ground. It does not involve hitting or kicking and usually takes place on a soft mat.

martial arts

A1

Martial arts are sports that involve fighting or self-defense, such as karate, judo, or kung fu. They are practiced for many reasons, including fitness, competition, and mental discipline.

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