Skip to main content

sportsmanship — fair, generous, and respectful behavior, especially when competing in sports

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: fair, generous, and respectful behavior, especially when competing in sports

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈspɔːrts.mən.ʃɪp/

Example Sentences

  • The coach emphasized that good sportsmanship was more important than winning.
  • His poor sportsmanship was evident when he threw his racket after losing the point.
  • The team captain's sportsmanship was so legendary that even opposing fans applauded him.

sportsmanship

NOUN

[/ˈspɔːrts.mən.ʃɪp/]

fair, generous, and respectful behavior, especially when competing in sports

fair, generous, and respectful behavior, especially when competing in sports
💡 Concept

fair, generous, and respectful behavior, especially when competing in sports

True leadership grows from sportsmanship, worth more than any scholarship!
🎵 Rhyme

True leadership grows from sportsmanship, worth more than any scholarship!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈspɔːrts.mən.ʃɪp/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈspɔːts.mən.ʃɪp/

🌳Etymology

Rootsport
Suffix--manship

Origin

The word originated in the 19th century, combining 'sportsman' (a person who engages in sports) with the suffix '-ship' (denoting quality, character, or state). Originally referring to gentlemanly conduct in sports, it has evolved to encompass fair and ethical behavior in all competitive situations.

Breakdown

sports (athletic activities) + man (person) + -ship (quality or state of being), forming 'sportsman' + '-ship' to express the characteristic or virtue of fair play.

🎵Rhyme

scholarship
leadership
membership

🔗Collocations

good sportsmanship
show sportsmanship
poor sportsmanship
display sportsmanship
true sportsmanship
lack of sportsmanship

📝Examples

“The coach emphasized that good sportsmanship was more important than winning.”

“His poor sportsmanship was evident when he threw his racket after losing the point.”

😄 Fun example

“The team captain's sportsmanship was so legendary that even opposing fans applauded him.”

“True sportsmanship means helping your opponent up when they fall, even during a crucial match.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.