An athlete is someone who demonstrates physical proficiency through training and competitive sport.
30초 단어
- A person skilled in physical sports or exercises.
- Often used to describe people who train for competitions.
- Commonly associated with professional sports and fitness.
Overview
The term 'athlete' originates from the Greek word 'athlos', meaning 'contest'. In modern English, it refers to individuals who participate in sports or physical activities that require strength, speed, agility, and endurance. While it often implies professional or high-level competitive status, it can also describe anyone dedicated to regular, disciplined physical training.
Usage Patterns
'Athlete' is a countable noun. It is frequently used with adjectives to describe specific types of performance, such as 'professional athlete', 'amateur athlete', or 'elite athlete'. In sentences, it often functions as the subject (e.g., 'The athlete trained hard') or as part of a compound noun (e.g., 'athlete performance').
Common Contexts
You will encounter this word in news reports about the Olympics, school sports programs, and fitness magazines. It is also used in medical or scientific contexts when discussing health, nutrition, and recovery. Because it is an A1-level word, it is commonly introduced early in English learning to describe professions or hobbies related to physical movement.
Similar Words Comparison: While 'player' is often used for team sports like soccer or basketball, 'athlete' is a broader term that encompasses track and field, swimming, gymnastics, and combat sports. 'Sportsperson' is a gender-neutral alternative, though 'athlete' is more commonly used in North American English. Unlike 'gym-goer', which implies casual exercise, 'athlete' carries a connotation of discipline, mastery, and competitive intent.
예시
The athlete practiced every morning before school.
everydayThe athlete practiced every morning before school.
The committee recognized the athlete for her outstanding performance.
formalThe committee recognized the athlete for her outstanding performance.
He's such a natural athlete; he's good at every sport.
informalHe's such a natural athlete; he's good at every sport.
The study analyzed the nutritional intake of the elite athlete.
academicThe study analyzed the nutritional intake of the elite athlete.
동의어
반의어
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
student athlete
a student who also plays sports for their school
top athlete
one of the best in their field
born athlete
someone naturally gifted at sports
자주 혼동되는 단어
A player is specifically involved in games like soccer or chess. An athlete is a broader term for anyone performing physical tasks or sports.
A gymnast is a specific type of athlete who performs gymnastics. 'Athlete' is the umbrella term.
문법 패턴
How to Use It
사용 참고사항
The word is neutral in tone and can be used in almost any setting. It is a standard noun that does not require special formality. Always ensure the article 'an' is used before it because it starts with a vowel sound.
자주 하는 실수
Learners often forget to use the article 'an' before 'athlete'. Another mistake is using 'athlete' to refer to a hobbyist who rarely exercises; it implies a level of training.
Tips
Use adjectives for better description
Adding adjectives like 'professional', 'Olympic', or 'young' helps clarify the level of the athlete. This makes your English sound more descriptive and natural.
Do not confuse with sport
Remember that 'athlete' is the person, while 'sport' is the activity. Avoid saying 'I am a sport' when you mean 'I am an athlete'.
Global sporting culture
In many cultures, athletes are seen as role models and icons of national pride. Understanding this helps explain why the word is often used in media and advertising.
어원
Derived from the Greek word 'athlos', meaning contest or feat. It entered English via Latin to describe those who compete in public games.
문화적 맥락
In many Western cultures, the 'athlete' is a symbol of health and success. High school and college sports are central to social life in countries like the USA, making the term very common.
암기 팁
Think of the 'A' in Athlete as the 'A' in Active. Athletes are always active!
자주 묻는 질문
4 질문Technically, yes, if they are training with a specific goal or sport in mind. However, 'athlete' usually implies a higher level of commitment and competition compared to someone exercising for general health.
Yes, the word 'athlete' itself is already gender-neutral. It applies equally to men, women, and non-binary individuals.
An athlete is a broader term focusing on physical capability, while a player typically refers to someone participating in a specific team game. You would call a runner an athlete, but you would specifically call a soccer team member a player.
No, an athlete can be an amateur, a student, or a child. The defining characteristic is the dedication to training and physical skill, not necessarily the salary.
셀프 테스트
The professional ___ won the gold medal in the 100-meter sprint.
An athlete is a person, which fits the context of someone winning a medal.
What is an athlete?
The definition of an athlete centers on the participation and skill in physical competition.
is / an / she / athlete / professional
In English, the adjective 'professional' precedes the noun 'athlete'.
점수: /3
Summary
An athlete is someone who demonstrates physical proficiency through training and competitive sport.
- A person skilled in physical sports or exercises.
- Often used to describe people who train for competitions.
- Commonly associated with professional sports and fitness.
Use adjectives for better description
Adding adjectives like 'professional', 'Olympic', or 'young' helps clarify the level of the athlete. This makes your English sound more descriptive and natural.
Do not confuse with sport
Remember that 'athlete' is the person, while 'sport' is the activity. Avoid saying 'I am a sport' when you mean 'I am an athlete'.
Global sporting culture
In many cultures, athletes are seen as role models and icons of national pride. Understanding this helps explain why the word is often used in media and advertising.
예시
4 / 4The athlete practiced every morning before school.
The athlete practiced every morning before school.
The committee recognized the athlete for her outstanding performance.
The committee recognized the athlete for her outstanding performance.
He's such a natural athlete; he's good at every sport.
He's such a natural athlete; he's good at every sport.
The study analyzed the nutritional intake of the elite athlete.
The study analyzed the nutritional intake of the elite athlete.
빠른 퀴즈
She is a professional ______ who won a gold medal at the Olympics.
정답!
정답은: athlete
Related Content
맥락에서 배우기
관련 어휘
Sports 관련 단어
tennis
A1Tennis is a popular racket sport played on a rectangular court between two players or two pairs. The goal is to hit a ball over a net into the opponent's side of the court using a racket.
club
A1클럽은 같은 취미를 가진 사람들의 모임이거나, 골프에서 공을 치는 도구를 말해.
bat
A1배트는 야구 같은 운동에서 공을 치기 위해 사용하는 길쭉한 나무나 금속 막대기야.
hiking
A1하이킹은 건강을 위해 산이나 자연 속을 오랫동안 걸어 다니는 활동이야.
locker room
A1라커룸은 운동 시설이나 경기장에 있는 방으로, 옷을 갈아입고 물건을 라커에 보관하는 곳이에요.
umpire
A1심판은 테니스나 야구 같은 경기에서 규칙이 지켜지도록 지켜보는 사람이에요.
defender
A1상대 팀이 골을 넣지 못하게 막는 선수예요. 팀 스포츠에서 중요한 역할을 하죠.
referee
A1심판은 경기 중에 선수들이 규칙을 잘 지키도록 감독하는 사람이에요.
martial arts
A1Martial arts are sports that involve fighting or self-defense, such as karate, judo, or kung fu. They are practiced for many reasons, including fitness, competition, and mental discipline.
pitcher
A1In sports like baseball or softball, a pitcher is the player who throws the ball toward the batter to start each play. The pitcher stands on a specific area called the mound and tries to prevent the batter from hitting the ball.
