'sportsmanship' originates from the English word 'sportsman,' where 'sport' referred to physical activities and 'man' referred to a person involved in such activities.

'sportsman' evolved from the Old French word 'desport,' which meant 'leisure' or 'recreation,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sportsmanship.'

Initially, it meant 'the conduct of a sportsman,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'ethical behavior in sports.'