Men who participate in sports, or people who play fairly and accept both winning and losing with good attitude.
Compound of 'sport' (from Old French 'desport' meaning 'amusement,' from Latin roots) plus 'man' (Old English). 'Sportsman' developed an additional meaning of 'one who plays fairly' in the 18th century.
The concept of 'sportsmanship' was virtually invented by Victorian England as part of the idea that sports could build character—before that, athletic competition was often rough and cynical, so this notion that games could teach virtue was genuinely revolutionary!
Uses masculine '-men' suffix despite mixed-gender athlete groups. Reflects historical male dominance in formal sports institutions and media coverage.
Use 'athletes' or 'sportspeople' for mixed/unspecified groups; 'sportsmen' for explicitly male groups only.
["athletes","sportspeople","competitors"]
Women athletes historically excluded from professional leagues and sponsorships; deliberate use of inclusive language honors their participation and visibility.
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