athletic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "athletic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is physically fit, active, or engaged in sports or physical activities. Example: "She has an athletic build, which allows her to excel in various sports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Deportivo La Coruna boosted their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League by beating Athletic Bilbao.

The Guardian - Sport

They face Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey and a week later face Juventus in the Champions League.

The Guardian - Sport

Athletic Bilbao returned to the Champions League and brilliantly; Villarreal returned to the top flight and to Europe.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm just like everyone else: if it's in my area I don't think it's a penalty; if it's in theirs, I do" – Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde nails it.

The Guardian - Sport

Málaga held on to beat Athletic Bilbao 1-0 to kick off the Spanish league on Saturday, after the new coach Javi Gracia's winning debut was almost spoiled by two of his players earning red cards in a wild finale.

The Guardian - Sport

Colotto gave Athletic hope when he turned Iraola's cross into his own net with 11 minutes left, but Deportivo wrapped up a fine win, when Pablo Alvarez swept home from close-range after he was set up by Juan Carlos Valerón.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Subs: Koke, Raúl García and Turan (Atlético), Bale, Alonso, Benzema and Ramos (Real Madrid), Iniesta and Messi (Barcelona), Rico, Gurpegui, Laporte, Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Trashorras and Larrivey (Rayo Vallecano), Navas (Levante), Bacca (Sevilla), Bruno, Gio and Musacchio (Villarreal), Vela (Real Sociedad).

The Guardian - Sport

The Americans gave a technically brilliant performance, including an athletic rendition of the Corsaire pas de deux, which saw Herrera, in a delicate purple tutu, dancing with the Cuban-born José Manuel Carreño, who drew loud cheers from the audience every time he took the stage.

The Guardian

Hearts finished fifth in the Scottish Premier League, while Hibs finished second from bottom of the table, with relegated Dunfermline Athletic beneath them.

The Guardian - Sport

The Wigan Athletic defender has a cheekbone injury but will join the squad to be assessed.

The Guardian - Sport

Then: captain of Wigan Athletic and Portsmouth, led Wigan to the 2006 League Cup final.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "athletic", specify which aspects of athleticism are most relevant to the context. For example, "athletic ability" or "athletic physique".

Common error

Avoid using "athletic" metaphorically when a more precise descriptor would be more effective. For example, instead of saying "an athletic argument", consider using "vigorous" or "robust".

Linguistic Context

The word "athletic" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something related to athletes or physical activity. Ludwig AI shows examples related to physique, play, and associations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "athletic" is a grammatically sound and usable adjective, primarily describing physical fitness or activities related to sports. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "athletic", consider the specific aspect of athleticism you wish to convey and avoid overuse in non-physical, metaphorical contexts. Alternatives include "physically fit" or "sporty", depending on the nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physically fit

Emphasizes the state of being in good physical condition, a core aspect of being athletic.

in good shape

Focuses on the overall physical condition, suggesting a well-maintained and healthy physique.

sporty

Highlights an inclination towards sports and physical activities, similar to "athletic".

muscular

Draws attention to well-developed muscles, a common characteristic of athletic individuals.

toned

Implies a firm and well-defined physique, a result of physical training and exercise.

vigorous

Focuses on the energy and strength associated with athletic activities.

nimble

Highlights agility and quickness, important aspects of many athletic pursuits.

agile

Similar to nimble, but emphasizes gracefulness and coordination in movement.

powerful

Emphasizes strength and forcefulness, often required in athletic endeavors.

brawny

Suggests a robust and muscular physique, often associated with strength-based sports.

FAQs

How can I use "athletic" in a sentence?

You can use "athletic" to describe someone's physical abilities, build, or involvement in sports. For example, "She has an athletic build" or "He's an athletic competitor".

What's a synonym for "athletic"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "physically fit", "sporty", or "muscular".

Is it correct to describe non-physical things as "athletic"?

While "athletic" primarily refers to physical attributes, it can be used metaphorically. However, ensure the context is appropriate and the meaning is clear; consider alternatives like "vigorous" or "robust" for non-physical attributes.

What is the difference between "athletic" and "sportive"?

"Athletic" describes someone who is physically fit and good at sports. "Sportive" implies a willingness to play or compete fairly in sports; it's more about attitude than physical ability.