Athlete or Athelete
Which Spelling is Correct? Confused between "athlete" and "athelete"? Learn the correct spelling, meaning, and how to use it properly in your writing.
athelete
Incorrect spelling - This spelling is incorrect and should not be used.
"athelete" is a common misspelling of "athlete". Always use "athlete" when referring to the correct word.
athlete
Correct spelling - The proper way to spell this word.
This is the correct spelling of the word meaning a person who participates in sports.
Definition of athlete
"athlete": This is the correct spelling of the word meaning a person who participates in sports.
This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.
Synonyms for athlete
- • competitor
- • sportsman
- • sportswoman
- • player
- • contestant
- • lock
- • sportsperson
- • performer
- • participant
- • team member
Usage Examples
"Correct:" She is a professional athlete who competes in track and field.
"Correct:" The athlete trained hard for the upcoming competition.
"Correct:" Many young athletes dream of competing in the Olympics.
"Correct:" The athlete broke the world record in the marathon.
"Incorrect:" Many young athelete dream of competing in the Olympics. its should be used athlete.
Notes:
- • Use "athlete" when referring to someone who participates in sports or physical activities
- • Remember that "athlete" has only one "e" after "th"
- • Common contexts include sports, fitness, and physical education
- • The word "athlete" can refer to both amateur and professional sports participants
- • Always spell it as "athlete" not "athelete"
- • Think of it as "ath" + "lete" without an extra "e"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "athelete" ever correct?
A: No, "athelete" is never correct in standard English. The correct spelling is always "athlete."
Q: What's the origin of the word "athlete"?
A: The word comes from the Greek "athlētēs" meaning "contestant in the games." It entered English through Latin and has maintained its original spelling pattern.
Q: Can "athlete" refer to both men and women?
A: Yes, "athlete" is a gender-neutral term that can refer to both male and female sports participants.
Q: How can I remember the correct spelling?
A: Remember that "athlete" has only one "e" after "th." Think of it as "ath" + "lete" or use the mnemonic: "An athlete has one 'e' after 'th'."
Q: Is this a common spelling mistake?
A: Yes, this is a very common spelling mistake. Many people add an extra "e" after "th" when writing "athlete," making it one of the most frequently misspelled words in English.
Q: What about related words like "athletic"?
A: All related words follow the same pattern: "athletic," "athletics," "athletically," and "athleticism" all have only one "e" after "th."
Summary
"Athlete" is the correct spelling of the word meaning a person who participates in sports or physical activities. The spelling "athelete" is incorrect and should never be used. Remember that "athlete" has only one "e" after "th" and comes from the Greek word "athlētēs." This is one of the most commonly misspelled words in English, so it's important to remember the correct spelling.