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Olympics
/əˈlɪmpɪks/
international multi-sport event
The Summer Olympics are held every four years.
This refers to the quadrennial global sporting event.
formal
A major international sporting event featuring athletes from around the world competing in various sports
The Winter Olympics showcase winter sports like skiing and ice hockey.
This highlights the specific focus of the Winter Games.
The Olympics promote global unity through athletic competition.
This reflects the event's broader cultural and diplomatic significance.
The modern Olympics began in 1896, reviving the ancient Greek tradition.
Collocations
Olympic Gamesthe formal name of the eventOlympic ringsthe five interlocking rings symbolizing the continentsOlympic torchthe flame carried in the relay before the Games
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Capitalization
Always capitalize 'Olympics' as it refers to a specific event.
Summer vs. Winter
The Olympics alternate between Summer and Winter Games every two years.
Gold Rule
Proper Noun
The Olympics is always capitalized as it refers to a specific event.
Word Origin
From the Greek 'Olympia', the site of the ancient Olympic Games held in honor of Zeus
Usage Notes
Capitalized as a proper noun. Often shortened to 'the Games' in informal contexts.
Word Breakdown
Olymp
referring to Mount Olympus in Greek mythology
root-ics
a suffix indicating a series or collection
suffixEnglish Dictionary