athlete: [18] The etymological idea underlying athlete is ‘competing for a prize’. Greek āthlon meant ‘award, prize’, whence the verb athlein ‘compete for a prize’. Derived from this was the noun athlētés ‘competitor’. The context in which the word was most commonly used in Greek was that of the public games, where competitors took part in races, boxing matches, etc. Hence the gradual narrowing down of the meaning of athlete to ‘one who takes part in sports involving physical exercise’, and even further to ‘participant in track and field events’.
athlete (n.)
early 15c., from Latin athleta "a wrestler, athlete, combatant in public games," from Greek athletes "prizefighter, contestant in the games," agent noun from athlein "to contest for a prize," related to athlos "a contest" and athlon "a prize," which is of unknown origin. Before 1750, usually in Latin form. In this sense, Old English had plegmann "play-man." Athlete's foot first recorded 1928, for an ailment that has been around much longer.
雙語例句
1. The boy first showed promise as an athlete in grade school.
這個男孩在上小學的時候就初次顯示出成為運動員的潛力。
來自柯林斯例句
2. The athlete is checked by their physio or doctor.
由專用理療師或醫生為運動員做檢查。
來自柯林斯例句
3. He is a terrific athlete and a brilliant jumper.
他是個出色的運動員，彈跳力非常好。
來自柯林斯例句
4. The athlete received a two-year suspension following a positive drug test.
該運動員因尿檢結果呈陽性而被停賽兩年。
來自柯林斯例句
5. Derartu is an outstanding athlete and deserved to win.