Athlete vs. Athletic — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 11, 2024
"Athlete" refers to a person skilled in sports or physical exercises, whereas "Athletic" describes physical qualities or abilities related to sports and physical activities.
Difference Between Athlete and Athletic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An "Athlete" is an individual who competes in sports, exemplifying skills and physical prowess, while "Athletic" is an adjective describing qualities like strength, agility, and physical fitness, relevant in sports but also in broader contexts.
The term "Athlete" specifically denotes a person's role or identity in the realm of sports, whereas "Athletic" can describe anyone or anything exhibiting physical fitness or sports-related abilities, not necessarily confined to professional sports.
"Athlete" connotes a level of professionalism or dedication to sports, whereas "Athletic" can refer to casual sports enthusiasts or even objects and situations displaying characteristics of physical prowess.
While "Athlete" is a noun focusing on the individual, "Athletic" is an adjective that can modify various nouns, suggesting a broader application beyond just people engaged in sports.
The journey of becoming an "Athlete" involves training and discipline, emphasizing the personal aspect, while "Athletic" traits can be innate or developed, highlighting the physical qualities.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun (person)
Adjective (descriptive quality)
Reference
Specific individual
General physical qualities
Usage in Sentences
Refers to a person
Describes qualities or situations
Profession or Trait
Profession or role
Trait or characteristic
Context
Sports-specific
Broader physical contexts
Compare with Definitions
Athlete
A person skilled in sports or physical exercises.
The athlete won three gold medals in the Olympics.
Athletic
Relating to or involving sports, physical exercise, or physical fitness.
He has an athletic build suitable for basketball.
Athlete
A professional player in a team sport.
The athlete signed a contract with a renowned football club.
Athletic
Displaying physical strength, agility, and stamina.
The athletic performance in the tournament was impressive.
Athlete
A participant in track and field events.
The athlete broke the record in the 100-meter sprint.
Athletic
Pertaining to athletes or athletics.
The school's athletic program is well-funded.
Athlete
An individual trained in physical strength, endurance, and agility.
The athlete spends hours each day perfecting her technique.
Athletic
Characterized by or involving physical activity or exertion
An athletic lifestyle.
An athletic child.
Athlete
Someone who competes in physical competitions.
The young athlete aspires to compete in the national championships.
Athletic
Having a build or abilities suitable for physical activity.
Her athletic skills make her an excellent runner.
Athlete
An athlete (also sportsman or sportswoman) is a person who competes in one or more sports that involve physical strength, speed or endurance. The use of the term in several sports, such as golf or auto racing, becomes a controversial issue.
Athletic
Designed for sports or physical exercises.
She wore athletic shoes for her morning jog.
Athlete
An exceptionally physically fit person.
Athletic
Of or befitting athletics or athletes.
Athlete
One who participates in physical exercise or sports, especially in competitive events.
Athletic
Physically strong and well-developed; muscular
An actor with an athletic build.
Athlete
One possessing the requisite strength, agility, and endurance for success in sports
A natural athlete.
Athletic
(not comparable) Having to do with athletes.
Are you a member of the American Athletic Association?
Athlete
A participant in a group of sporting activities which includes track and field, road running, cross country running and racewalking.
She's the first athlete in her sport to obtain a corporate sponsor.
Athletic
Physically active.
Since you're such an athletic person, you may wish to consider joining.
Athlete
A person who actively participates in physical sports, especially with great skill; a sportsperson.
Athletic
Having a muscular, well developed body, being in shape.
You have such an athletic build—you must work out regularly.
Athlete
One who contended for a prize in the public games of ancient Greece or Rome.
Athletic
An attribute of a motion or play which requires fine physical ability.
The center fielder made an athletic play to snatch the ball from over the fence.
Athlete
Any one trained to contend in exercises requiring great physical agility and strength; one who has great activity and strength; a champion.
Athletic
(video games) Of a level in a Super Mario game: with an emphasis on platforming challenge, often involving precise jumps between floating platforms above a bottomless pit, and having upbeat background music.
Athlete
One fitted for, or skilled in, intellectual contests; as, athletes of debate.
Athletic
A muscular, large–boned person, in the typology of Ernst Kretschmer.
Athlete
A person trained to compete in sports
Athletic
Of or pertaining to athletes or to the exercises practiced by them; as, athletic games or sports.
Athletic
Befitting an athlete; strong; muscular; robust; vigorous; as, athletic Celts.
Athletic
Relating to or befitting athletics or athletes;
Athletic facilities
Athletic
Vigorously active;
An acrobatic dance
An athletic child
Athletic playing
Gymnastic exercises
Athletic
Having a sturdy and well proportioned body;
An athletic build
Common Curiosities
What defines an athlete?
An athlete is someone skilled in sports or physical exercises, often participating in competitions.
Is "athlete" used for professionals only?
No, "athlete" can refer to both professionals and amateurs in sports.
Can the term "athletic" apply to mental skills?
Typically, no. "Athletic" primarily describes physical qualities.
Do all athletes have an athletic build?
Not necessarily; athletes vary in physique, though many exhibit athletic traits.
Are all sports players considered athletes?
Generally, yes, as they engage in physical activities competitively.
Can anyone be athletic?
Yes, being athletic refers to having physical abilities or qualities related to sports, which can be developed.
Can a non-sporting activity be described as athletic?
Yes, if it involves physical strength and agility.
Can athletic abilities be innate?
Yes, some people naturally possess athletic traits, though training enhances them.
Is being athletic a prerequisite for all sports?
While beneficial, some sports require more strategy than physical prowess.
Does "athlete" refer only to individuals in team sports?
No, it includes individuals in both team and individual sports.
Is athleticism linked to specific sports?
No, athleticism is a general term for physical fitness and ability in any sport.
Can an artistic performance be described as athletic?
Yes, if it involves significant physical skill and strength.
Are all athletes in peak physical condition?
While many are, it varies depending on the level and type of sport.
Does athletic ability decline with age?
Physical abilities can decline, but many athletes maintain a high level with training and experience.
Can "athlete" apply to casual sports participants?
Typically, it refers to those more dedicated or skilled in sports.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
