athletic

[ath-let-ik] /æθˈlɛt ɪk/
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
Related forms
athletically, adverb
athleticism
[ath-let-uh-siz-uh m] /æθˈlɛt əˌsɪz əm/ (Show IPA), noun
nonathletic, adjective
nonathletically, adverb
quasi-athletic, adjective
quasi-athletically, adverb
unathletic, adjective
unathletically, adverb
Pronunciation note
See athlete.
Examples from the web for athletic
  • Neither of these sports require a large amount of athletic ability.
  • Sports engage the athletic ability of the participant.
  • At my large public university, the athletic programs are required to be self-sustaining.
  • Their comparative advantage lies in their athletic ability.
  • My lasting memory of this summer is more than an athletic accomplishment.
  • Those that have lived clean, athletic lives tend to get old and be clean and athletic.
  • But his athletic affiliation matters less than his track record.
  • Sixty years ago, the athletic cognoscenti held that running a four-minute mile was physically impossible.
  • Amateur athletic affairs are dull enough these days.
  • The athletic director did not respond to calls today.
British Dictionary definitions for athletic

athletic

/æθˈlɛtɪk/
adjective
1.
physically fit or strong; muscular or active
2.
of, relating to, or suitable for an athlete or for athletics
3.
of or relating to a person with a muscular and well-proportioned body See also somatotype
Derived Forms
athletically, adverb
athleticism, noun
Word Origin and History for athletic
adj.

1630s (athletical is from 1590s), "pertaining to an athlete," from Latin athleticus, from Greek athletikos, from athletes (see athlete). Meaning "strong of body; vigorous; lusty; robust" [Johnson, who spells it athletick] is from 1650s.