“Athlete” vs. “Athletic”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “athlete” and “athletic”

  • The term "athlete" refers specifically to someone who participates in organized sports or competitions, while "athletic" can describe anyone who exhibits physical prowess or fitness.
  • Athletes are often recognized for their skill and achievements in their respective sports, while being "athletic" is more of a general attribute or characteristic that can also be given to non-athletes.
  • An individual can be athletic without being an athlete, but an athlete is typically always athletic.
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What is the definition of “athlete” and “athletic”?

Athlete
  • An athlete is a person who is proficient in a sport that requires skill.
  • They are often trained and dedicated individuals who compete at a high level in their chosen sport or activity.
  • An athlete's performance is often measured by their ability to meet or exceed specific standards, such as breaking records or winning competitions.
Athletic
  • Athletic refers to the physical qualities of someone who is muscular, fit, and able to perform physical activities skillfully.
  • It can also describe sports or activities that require physical skills or abilities, such as running, jumping, or strength training.
  • Being athletic is often associated with having good coordination, endurance, and a healthy lifestyle.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Athletic” is the more popular variant on the web.
Athlete
272,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The athlete ran his fastest time yet in the 100-meter sprint.
  2. She was a talented athlete, excelling in both basketball and volleyball.
  3. The athlete's training regimen was intense, consisting of hours of practice and weightlifting each day.
More popular
Athletic
439,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The girl showed her athletic ability by effortlessly scaling the climbing wall.
  2. His strong, athletic build made him a natural fit for the football team.
  3. The gym was full of athletic people, jumping, running, and lifting weights.
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