athleticism
gb/æθlˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm/ us/æθlˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm/
B2
English
atletikusság, fizikai adottság, virtuozitás
NOUN
B2
1
atletikusság
C1
Usage pattern:
[someone] has/shows/demonstrates athleticism
Her athleticism made her a standout defender despite her height.
Atletikussága a magassága ellenére is kiemelkedő védővé tette.
The scout liked his athleticism but wanted to see better decision-making.
A megfigyelőnek tetszettek a fizikai adottságai, de jobb döntéshozatalt akart látni tőle.
Years of training improved his athleticism and endurance.
Learner examples
He has great athleticism.
Remek fizikai adottságai vannak.
Swimming can improve your athleticism.
Az úszás fejlesztheti az atletikusságodat.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse athleticism (a quality) with athletics (sports as an activity or sport events).
Meaning
physical ability for sports
Collocations
natural athleticism
|raw athleticism
|pure athleticism
|sheer athleticism
|elite athleticism
|overall athleticism
|demonstrate athleticism
|display athleticism
|improve athleticism
|athleticism and strength
Synonyms
athletic ability (more direct and specific; less abstract.)
|
physical prowess (emphasizes impressive strength or skill.)
|
fitness (focuses more on health and stamina than sport skill.)
Antonyms
clumsiness (lack of coordination and smooth movement.)
|
unfitness (poor physical condition or low stamina.)
Themes
sports
|health
|fitness
Definition
being physically strong, fast, and coordinated, especially for sports
the combination of strength, speed, fitness, coordination, and agility that allows someone to perform well in physical activities, especially sports
NOUN
C1
2
atletikusság
C1
Usage pattern:
the athleticism of [someone/something]
The choreography demands athleticism as well as precision.
A koreográfia az atletikusság mellett pontosságot is megkövetel.
The film’s fight scenes rely on the actor’s athleticism and timing.
A film harci jelenetei a színész atletikusságára és időzítésére épülnek.
What surprised the audience was the athleticism of the lead dancer.
Learner examples
This dance needs athleticism.
Ez a tánc atletikusságot igényel.
His athleticism is clear on stage.
Atletikussága a színpadon is jól látszik.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse it where 'energy' or 'fitness' is more natural (e.g., for non-physical contexts).
Meaning
athletic style of movement
Collocations
the athleticism of the performance
|a display of athleticism
|acrobatic athleticism
|remarkable athleticism
|athleticism on stage
|athleticism in dance
|combine grace and athleticism
|demand athleticism
|showcase athleticism
|unexpected athleticism
Synonyms
physicality (broader; can mean bodily presence without sport-like skill.)
|
agility (narrower; focuses on quick, light movement.)
Antonyms
stiffness (lack of ease and flexibility in movement.)
Themes
arts
|sports
Definition
moving in a strong, fast, athletic way
a noticeably energetic, powerful, or acrobatic style of movement, especially in performance or physical work
NOUN
C1
3
virtuozitás
C1
Usage pattern:
[adjective] athleticism (e.g., mental/verbal) in [something]
The lawyer’s verbal athleticism impressed the jury.
Az ügyvéd verbális virtuozitása lenyűgözte az esküdtszéket.
The novel is full of intellectual athleticism but can feel exhausting.
A regény tele van intellektuális virtuozitással, de időnként fárasztó lehet.
In interviews, she shows mental athleticism and quick humor.
Learner examples
He showed verbal athleticism in the debate.
A vitában verbális virtuozitást mutatott.
Common mistake:
This is metaphorical; avoid it in formal writing unless the comparison is clearly intended.
Meaning
impressive skill in an activity
Collocations
mental athleticism
|verbal athleticism
|intellectual athleticism
|comic athleticism
|rhetorical athleticism
|a show of verbal athleticism
|athleticism with words
|athleticism in debate
|athleticism in improvisation
|analytic athleticism
Synonyms
nimbleness (more general; can be mental or physical.)
|
dexterity (often about skillful handling; can be literal or figurative.)
Antonyms
slowness (lack of speed or quick response in the relevant skill.)
Themes
communication
|work
|education
Definition
very skillful and fast in thinking or using language (figurative)
impressive speed, flexibility, or control in a non-physical activity, spoken of by comparison to an athlete’s abilities
Grammar
Dictionary form
athleticism
IPA
GB/æθlˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm/
US/æθlˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
ath - leti - cism (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (leti)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: athleticism
- Plural: athleticisms
Word family
Expressions
a display of athleticism
1/ə dɪsplˈeɪ əv æθlˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
showing impressive physical skill
a moment when someone shows strong sport skills
Examples
- The dunk was a display of athleticism that brought the crowd to its feet.
- Her recovery run was an incredible display of athleticism.
- The routine ended with a display of athleticism and balance.
Learner examples
- It was a display of athleticism.
all-around athleticism
1/ˈɔl ɚˈaʊnd æθlˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
balanced overall physical abilities
being good at many physical skills, not just one
Examples
- What sets her apart is her all-around athleticism.
- The position requires all-around athleticism, not just speed.
- His all-around athleticism makes him valuable in different roles.
Learner examples
- She has all-around athleticism.
pure athleticism
1/pjˈʊɹ æθlˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
relying mainly on physical ability
winning mainly because you are strong and fast
Examples
- They couldn’t match her technique, so they tried to win through pure athleticism.
- At that level, pure athleticism isn’t enough; you need discipline and tactics.
- The highlight reel is mostly pure athleticism and speed.
Learner examples
- He won through pure athleticism.
raw athleticism
1/ɹˈɑ æθlˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
natural ability, not polished
natural sport ability, but not trained well yet
Examples
- He’s still learning the game, but his raw athleticism is obvious.
- The coach can teach technique; raw athleticism is harder to find.
- Draft reports praised her raw athleticism and speed.
Learner examples
- She has raw athleticism.
sheer athleticism
1/ʃˈɪɹ æθlˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
extremely impressive physical ability
very impressive physical ability
Examples
- Through sheer athleticism, he managed to reach the ball.
- The play was saved by sheer athleticism and a bit of luck.
- Fans gasped at the sheer athleticism of the catch.
Learner examples
- It was sheer athleticism.