athlete
UK: ˈaθliːt | US: ˈæθliːt
n. a person who is proficient in sports or physical exercise, especially in competitive events.
athlete = athl<contest, prize> + ete<noun suffix denoting agent>
- athl<contest, prize>: Derived from Greek athlon (ἆθλον), meaning "contest" or "prize."
- ete<noun suffix>: A suffix of Greek origin (-ētēs) used to form agent nouns, indicating a person associated with the root action (e.g., poet from poiein "to make").
Etymology Origin:
The word athlete traces back to Ancient Greek athlētēs (ἀθλητής), meaning "competitor in the games." It stems from athlon (ἆθλον), referring to the physical contests and prizes awarded in events like the Olympics. Over time, the term evolved in Latin (athleta) and Middle English (athlete) to broadly denote skilled participants in sports or physical feats, retaining its competitive connotation.
She trained for years to become a professional athlete.
The athlete broke the world record in the 100-meter dash.
Mental resilience is as important as physical strength for an athlete.
Many young athletes dream of competing in the Olympics.
The injured athlete vowed to return to the sport stronger than ever.