Athletic
/æθˈlɛtɪk/noun
Relating to athletes or physical sports and exercise; physically fit and strong.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Greek *athlon* (“prize”)—so an athlete was originally someone who competed for a reward, not just someone with muscles.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dheh₁-
“to set, place, put”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἆθλον (athlon)
“a contest prize; a prize won in struggle”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀθλητής (athlētēs)
“one who competes for a prize; a contestant”
Late Latin
Latin
athleticus
“of athletes; pertaining to contests”
Old French
Old French
athletique
“athletic; relating to physical competition”
Modern English
English
athletic
“relating to athletes, sports, or physical fitness”
Explore more surprising origins