ath·let·ic

[ath-let-ik]
adjective
1.
physically active and strong; good at athletics or sports: an athletic child.
2.
of, like, or befitting an athlete.
3.
of or pertaining to athletes; involving the use of physical skills or capabilities, as strength, agility, or stamina: athletic sports; athletic training.
4.
for athletics: an athletic field.
5.
Psychology. (of a physical type) having a sturdy build or well-proportioned body structure. Compare asthenic ( def 2 ), pyknic ( def 1 ).

Origin:
1595–1605; < Latin āthlēticus < Greek āthlētikós. See athlete, -ic

ath·let·i·cal·ly, adverb
ath·let·i·cism [ath-let-uh-siz-uhm] , noun
non·ath·let·ic, adjective
non·ath·let·i·cal·ly, adverb
qua·si-ath·let·ic, adjective
qua·si-ath·let·i·cal·ly, adverb
un·ath·let·ic, adjective
un·ath·let·i·cal·ly, adverb


See athlete.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To athletic
00:10
Athletic is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
Collins
World English Dictionary
athletic (æθˈlɛtɪk) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
adj
1.  physically fit or strong; muscular or active
2.  of, relating to, or suitable for an athlete or for athletics
3.  See also somatotype of or relating to a person with a muscular and well-proportioned body
 
ath'letically
 
adv
 
ath'leticism
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

athletic
1630s, "pertaining to an athlete," from L. athleticus, from Gk. athletikos, from athletes (see athlete). Meaning "strong of body; vigorous; lusty; robust" [Johnson, who spells it athletick] is from 1650s. Related: Athleticism (1870); athletics (c.1730).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Neither of these sports require a large amount of athletic ability.
Sports engage the athletic ability of the participant.
Amateur athletic affairs are dull enough these days.
While these guys might be great at athletic pursuits, their sound performance
  is lacking.
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