Sporting

Definition

Sporting refers to the engagement in, or the behavior suitable to, sports and games. It also encapsulates a fair and generous behavior particularly in a competitive setting.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb (gerund)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈspɔrtɪŋ/
• Respelling: SPORT-ing (with "SPORT" as in "sport" and "ing" as in "ring")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈspɔːtɪŋ/
• Respelling: SPORT-ing (similar to American English, with "SPORT" as in "sport" and "ing" like in "ring")

In both dialects, "sporting" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "SPORT." The main difference lies in the vowel sound of "SPORT," which is slightly longer in British English. The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, reflecting the word's phonetic structure.

Etymology

The term "sporting" has its roots from the word "sport," which comes from the Old French desport meaning "leisure," with the notion of leisure activities evolving over time to encompass competitive activities and behaviors.

Derivatives

• Sport
• Sportsman
• Sportswoman
• Sportsperson
• Sportsmanship

Synonyms

• Athletic
• Sports-related
• Sportsmanlike

Antonyms

• Unsporting
• Unfair
• Inactive

Usage

Sporting is used in various contexts to describe both the engagement in sports or games and behavior exhibiting fairness, generosity, or good spirit, especially in a competitive environment.

Related Terms

• Competition
• Recreation
• Athleticism
• Fair play
• Sportsmanship

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Related to or suitable for sports: Reflecting engagement or suitability in athletic or recreational activities.
• Example: "They went to a sporting goods store to buy the necessary equipment for their new hobby."

• Fair and Generous: Reflecting fairness, generosity, or a good spirit, especially in a competitive setting.
• Example: "His sporting behavior was applauded by both teams."

Verb (gerund)

• Engaging in Sports: The act of participating in sports or games.
• Example: "He has been sporting since his childhood and has become quite an accomplished athlete."