What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sportsman
Example
He was a great sportsman and excelled in both basketball and football. [sportsman: noun]
Example
She showed her sportsman spirit by congratulating the opposing team after their win. [sportsman: adjective]
athlete
Example
She is an accomplished athlete and has won several medals in international competitions. [athlete: noun]
Example
He follows a strict diet and exercise regimen to maintain his status as a top athlete. [athlete: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Athlete is more commonly used than sportsman in contemporary language, especially in the context of competitive sports events. Sportsman is less common and can have a more traditional or old-fashioned connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sportsman and athlete?
Both sportsman and athlete can be used in formal and informal contexts, but athlete is more versatile and commonly used in contemporary language, making it more appropriate for formal situations.
