gymnastics
UK: dʒɪmˈnæstɪks | US: dʒɪmˈnæstɪks
n. A sport involving physical exercises and performances requiring strength, flexibility, and coordination, often performed on specialized apparatus.
n. (Figuratively) Complex or skillful maneuvers, especially in intellectual or verbal contexts.
gymnastics = gymn<bare/naked> + ast<performer> + ics<art/study>
- gymn<bare/naked> (from Greek gymnos, referring to ancient athletes training unclothed).
- ast<performer> (from Greek -astēs, denoting an agent or practitioner).
- ics<art/study> (suffix indicating a field of practice or discipline, from Greek -ika).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to ancient Greece, where athletes trained naked (gymnos) to showcase physical prowess. The suffix -astēs denoted performers, and -ics later formalized it as a discipline. Over time, "gymnastics" evolved from literal athletic training to encompass both physical and metaphorical dexterity.
She won a gold medal in artistic gymnastics at the Olympics.
His mental gymnastics to justify the error left everyone unconvinced.
The team practices gymnastics daily to perfect their routines.
Ancient Greeks considered gymnastics essential for military training.
The debate required rhetorical gymnastics to navigate complex arguments.