athletically
|ath-let-ic-al-ly|
/æθˈlɛtɪkəli/
(athletic)
physically fit
Etymology
'athletic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'athlētikos', where 'athlētēs' meant 'contestant' and 'athlon' meant 'prize'.
'athlētikos' passed into Latin and then into Middle English as 'athletic', eventually producing the modern adjective 'athletic' and the adverb 'athletically'.
Initially, it meant 'pertaining to athletes or contests', but over time it evolved to the broader modern sense of 'relating to physical strength, skill, or sport', with 'athletically' meaning 'in that manner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner characteristic of an athlete; with physical strength, agility, or skill; in a sporty or physically capable way.
She moved athletically across the court.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/11 10:20