sporting spirit

USAGE SUMMARY

"sporting spirit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a spirit of friendly competition between rivals. For example, "The competitors exhibited a true sporting spirit as they shook hands after the match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Everything that is happening in Salt Lake City discredits the Olympic movement and its sporting spirit".

The Guardian - Sport

I wanted to rediscover the Bulgarian sporting spirit that had been so much a part of my childhood.

The Economist

Both poems from "The Sporting Spirit: Athletes, Literature and Life," edited by Robert Higgs, Harcourt Brace, 1977.

The New York Times - Books

In his 1945 essay "The Sporting Spirit," what English writer referred to "serious sport" as "war minus the shooting"?

The New York Times

But Orwell's The Sporting Spirit was published in 1945 when the gap between patriotism and nationalism still seemed dangerously narrow.

The Guardian - Opinion

A spokesman told the official Xinhua News Agency that it opposes any behaviour that would "violate the sporting spirit and morality".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

However separated socially, economically and professionally, Gordy Aamoth, Antonio Alvarez and Calixto Anaya Jr. shared that sports spirit.

The New York Times - Sports

They recognize a "sport spirit" that mixes competitive drive with a humility not typically associated with professional athletes.

The New York Times - Sports

Most sports spirit squads, including the Ruf/Neks, try to separate themselves from campus fraternity systems and answer instead to athletic departments.

The New York Times - Sports

The NAO said distributors, which include UK Sport, Spirit of 2012, Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund, often had commitments spanning many years "so it is likely that commitments will exceed their fund balance at a given date".

The Guardian

After nearly two years of renovation, the National Archaeological Museum, 44 Patission Street, (30-210) 821 7717, will reopen with "Agon Sport Spirit in Ancient Greece," through Oct. 31, with 280 artifacts relating to everything from Olympic wrestling to poetry contests.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sporting spirit" to describe behavior that is fair, respectful, and ethical in a competitive setting. It is often used in the context of organized sports, but can apply to any situation involving competition.

Common error

Avoid using "sporting spirit" solely to describe winning or achieving a goal; it's more about how the achievement is attained, emphasizing fairness and respect even in defeat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sporting spirit" primarily functions as a noun phrase describing a quality or characteristic. It's commonly used to denote ethical conduct, fairness, and respect in a competitive environment, reflecting the positive attributes associated with sports.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sporting spirit" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes ethical and respectful behavior in competitive situations. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s grammatically correct and serves to commend fairness and positive conduct, not just winning. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as wiki sources, it suggests a neutral tone applicable across diverse contexts. Remember to emphasize the 'how' not just 'what' when using this phrase, and consider alternatives like "sportsmanship" or "fair play" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sportsmanship

Focuses more directly on ethical conduct and fair play in sports.

good sportsmanship

A more descriptive version of sportsmanship

fair play

Emphasizes adherence to rules and respect for opponents.

sporting conduct

Focuses on behavior and actions during a sporting event.

athletic spirit

Highlights the dedication and enthusiasm associated with sports.

sense of fair play

Emphasizes the player's understanding of fair play rules.

competitive spirit

Stresses the drive to win and excel in sports.

spirit of the game

Refers to the unwritten rules and ethical considerations in sports.

Olympic spirit

Specifically relates to the values and ideals of the Olympic Games.

team spirit

Highlights cooperation and unity within a sports team.

FAQs

How can I use "sporting spirit" in a sentence?

You can use "sporting spirit" to describe the positive attitude and ethical behavior during a competition. For example, "Despite losing, they showed great "sporting spirit" by congratulating the winners".

What's a good alternative to "sporting spirit"?

Alternatives include "sportsmanship", "fair play", and "athletic spirit" depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is "sporting spirit" different from "competitive spirit"?

"Sporting spirit" emphasizes fairness and respect, while "competitive spirit" highlights the desire to win and excel. One focuses on ethical conduct, the other on ambition.

In what contexts is "sporting spirit" most appropriate?

It's best used when discussing ethical behavior in sports, such as acknowledging good plays by opponents or maintaining a positive attitude regardless of the outcome.