gymnasium
jim-NAY-zee-um
/dʒɪmˈneɪziəm/
A room or building equipped for gymnastics, games, and other physical exercise.
In modern English, usually shortened to 'gym'. In some European countries, 'Gymnasium' refers to a type of high school.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'gymnos', meaning 'naked'. In ancient Greece, male athletes exercised and competed entirely naked to show off their physique and ensure freedom of movement.
Word relationships
- gym: The common, informal abbreviation.
Word family
- gymnast (noun): A person who performs gymnastics.
- gymnastics (noun): Exercises developing or displaying physical agility and coordination.
Collocations
- school gymnasium
- modern gymnasium
- gymnasium floor
- public gymnasium
Example sentences
- "The school's gymnasium was converted into a temporary shelter during the flood." School facilities.
- "In ancient Greece, the gymnasium was as much a place for philosophical debate as for physical training." Historical context.
Memory hook
Think of a 'gym' where people used to be 'naked' (gymnos). Gym = Naked training.
When not to use
Avoid for outdoor tracks or fields.
Fun facts
- The word 'gym' is one of the most successful abbreviations in English, almost entirely replacing its parent word in daily speech.
Explore more words
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