What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
athletic
Example
She is very athletic and enjoys playing various sports. [athletic: adjective]
Example
He trains hard to improve his athletic performance. [athletic: noun]
sporty
Example
He has a sporty look with his athletic build and trendy clothes. [sporty: adjective]
Example
The car has a sporty design and can go fast. [sporty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sporty is more commonly used than athletic in everyday language, especially when talking about fashion or style. Sporty is a versatile term that can be used to describe both people and objects, while athletic is more specific to describing physical abilities and involvement in sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between athletic and sporty?
Both athletic and sporty can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, athletic may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with sports and physical performance.
