sport

sport

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Pronunciation

sport: /spɔːrt/

• spɔːrt:

• /s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative

• /p/ - voiceless bilabial plosive

• /ɔː/ - open-mid back rounded vowel (as in "thought" or "law")

• /r/ - voiced postalveolar approximant

• /t/ - voiceless alveolar plosive

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Word Form Variations

Noun:

• Singular: sport

• Plural: sports

Verb:

• Base form: sport

• Third-person singular present: sports

• Present participle: sporting

• Past tense: sported

• Past participle: sported

Adjective: (often used attributively, like in "sporting event")

• sporting

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

1. An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.

• Synonyms: game, athletics, competition, recreation, pastime

• Antonyms: work, labor, inactivity, drudgery

2. A source of amusement or entertainment; a diversion.

• Synonyms: fun, play, jest, merriment, frolic

• Antonyms: seriousness, solemnity, boredom, chore

3. (Informal) A person who is fair, generous, and behaves in a sportsmanlike manner.

• Synonyms: good sport, fair player, gentleman, lady

• Antonyms: bad sport, poor loser, cheat, swindler

Verb

1. To wear or display something in a proud or ostentatious way.

• Synonyms: wear, display, flaunt, parade, show off

• Antonyms: conceal, hide, cover, disguise

2. To play, frolic, or amuse oneself in a lighthearted way.

• Synonyms: play, frolic, gambol, cavort, amuse

• Antonyms: work, labor, toil, mope, brood

Adjective

1. Relating to or suitable for sports; characteristic of a good sport. (Often used attributively, e.g., "a sporting chance," "a sporting event")

• Synonyms: athletic, competitive, fair, sportsmanlike, recreational

• Antonyms: unsportsmanlike, unfair, unathletic, unprofessional

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "His latest book, The Art of the Short Game, delves into the nuanced strategies of golf, a sport he has passionately played since childhood." (Example)

• "Quidditch, a sport invented by J.K. Rowling in her Harry Potter series, captivated readers with its unique blend of magic and athleticism." (Example)

Newspapers:

• "The local newspaper ran a headline yesterday: 'City Council Approves Funding for New Youth Sports Complex.'" (Example)

• "The New York Times published an article in May 2024 discussing the growing popularity of esports as a professional sport."

Online Publications:

• "An article on ESPN.com in June 2025 highlighted the incredible comeback story of a long-distance runner, a true testament to the spirit of sport."

• "A recent blog post on The Guardian's website in April 2025 explored the ethical dilemmas surrounding transgender athletes in women's sport."

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Television (Documentary): "Netflix released a documentary in March 2025 titled 'The Untold Story of Women's Football,' chronicling the sport's journey to global recognition."

• Film: "The movie 'Rocky' (1976) remains a classic example of a film that powerfully portrays the struggles and triumphs inherent in the sport of boxing." (Example)

• Video Game: "EA Sports FC 25, a popular video game released in September 2024, allows players to experience the thrill of professional soccer from their own homes."

• Podcast: "A podcast episode from 'The Bill Simmons Podcast' in January 2025 featured a lively debate about the greatest NBA player of all time, a perennial topic in basketball sport."

General Public Discourse:

• "At the local park, a parent encouraged their child, saying, 'Go on, have a good run! It's important to get some sport in your day.'" (Example)

• During a casual conversation, someone might say, "I'm really looking forward to the Olympic Games this summer; it's always great to see athletes from around the world compete in their chosen sport." (Example)

• A group of friends might discuss, "Did you see that incredible goal in the football match last night? That's why I love this sport!" (Example)

• In a classroom, a teacher might tell students, "Learning to be a good sport, whether you win or lose, is an important life lesson." (Example)

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10 Quotes Using Sport

1. "The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose." (Ernie Banks)

2. "One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than fifty preaching it." (Knute Rockne)

3. "I ask that you live your sport as a gift from God, an opportunity not only to bring your talents to fruition, but also as a responsibility." (Pope Francis)

4. "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” (Pelé)

5. "The five S's of sports training are: stamina, speed, strength, skill, and spirit; but the greatest of these is spirit.” (Ken Doherty)

6. "It's not about perfect. It's about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where transformation happens." (Jillian Michaels)

7. "The best thing about sports is the sense of community and shared emotion it can create." (Bob Costas)

8. "You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that is real joy." (Arthur Ashe)

9. "Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them; a desire, a dream, a vision.” (Muhammad Ali)

10. "Whether your field may be sport, theatre, writing, acting, dancing, photography, cooking, painting, singing, research, science, business, politics or teaching - one day you become a legend." (Avijeet Das)

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Etymology

The word "sport" has a fun journey through language!

It comes from the Old French word "desport," which meant "leisure," "recreation," or "amusement." Think of it as anything you did to pass the time enjoyably, away from work or serious matters.

The "des-" part of "desport" was actually a prefix that meant "away" or "apart." So, "desport" literally meant something like "carrying away from work" or "taking oneself apart from labor."

Over time, when this word made its way into English, the "de-" prefix was often dropped, leading to just "sport."

The first known use of "sport" in English, with a similar meaning to what we use today, dates back to the 14th century. At that time, its primary meaning was still about diversion, amusement, or a pleasant pastime. It wasn't specifically about physical games or competitions yet, but rather any activity done for enjoyment. So, hunting, feasting, or even just telling jokes could be considered a "sport."

It was only later, around the 16th century, that the meaning began to narrow down more specifically to the athletic activities and competitions we associate with the word "sport" today.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Sport

Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "sport":

• Make sport of someone/something: To mock or ridicule someone or something.

• Sport of kings: A traditional phrase referring to horse racing, implying its aristocratic association.

• A good sport: Someone who is gracious in winning or losing, or who takes a difficult situation well.

• To sport a new look/item: To wear or display something new, often with a sense of pride or style.

• For sport: Done purely for amusement or fun, often without serious intent.

• Sporting chance: A fair or reasonable chance of success.

• Sporting goods: Equipment or apparel used for sports.

• Sport utility vehicle (SUV): A type of car designed for various terrains, often associated with an active lifestyle.

• Sporting event: A competition or game in a specific sport.

• Sport fishing: Fishing primarily for pleasure or competition rather than for food.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of sport from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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