What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
athlete
Example
She is an incredible athlete and has won several medals in swimming competitions. [athlete: noun]
Example
He spends hours at the gym every day, training like a professional athlete. [athlete: adjective]
competitor
Example
The competitors lined up at the starting line, ready to race. [competitors: noun]
Example
She is a fierce competitor and always gives her best in every match. [competitor: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Athlete is a more common word than competitor in everyday language, especially when talking about sports and physical activities. Athlete is widely recognized and used in various contexts, while competitor is more specific to competitive settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between athlete and competitor?
Both athlete and competitor can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, athlete is generally considered more formal due to its association with professional sports and organized athletic events.
