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 track and field. [athlete: noun]
Example
He spends hours at the gym every day, training like a professional athlete. [athlete: adjective]
sportsman
Example
He is known as a true sportsman, always playing fair and respecting his opponents. [sportsman: noun]
Example
She loves spending her weekends hiking and playing tennis, she's a real sportsman. [sportsman: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Athlete is more commonly used than sportsman in professional sports settings and everyday language. It is a versatile term that covers a wide range of sports-related contexts. On the other hand, sportsman is less common and is often used to describe someone who enjoys outdoor activities and exhibits good sportsmanship.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between athlete and sportsman?
While athlete is generally considered more formal and is commonly used in professional sports settings, sportsman has a slightly more informal and recreational connotation. Sportsman can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in casual conversations and recreational settings.
