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Fitness: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：good physical condition (fitness)
fitness
/ˈfɪtnəs/
n.
It means being in good physical shape and healthy because of regular exercise and good habits.
good physical condition
➕
/ɡʊd ˈfɪzɪkəl kənˈdɪʃən/
n.
The state or condition of being physically healthy and strong, especially as a result of exercise and proper nutrition.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Middle English 'fit' (suitable, adapted) + '-ness' (state or quality of).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of "fit" + "-ness". You need to be 'fit' (in good shape) to achieve a state of good fitness.
📖 Example
Regular yoga has improved her fitness, allowing her to play with her kids all afternoon without getting tired.
Regular yoga has improved her good physical condition, allowing her to play with her kids all afternoon without getting tired.
🔗 Collocations
physical fitness – The state of overall bodily health and strength.
fitness level – The degree to which a person is physically fit.
fitness training – Exercise routines designed to improve physical condition.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
unfitness (n.) – The state of being not fit or healthy.
poor health (n.) – A state of illness or weak physical condition.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from the adjective 'fit'. In the late 16th century, 'fit' originally meant 'well-matched, suited'. The '-ness' suffix forms a noun meaning 'the state of being fit'. Its primary modern sense related to physical health surged with the late 20th-century rise of gym culture and health consciousness.
Meaning 2：suitability (fitness)
fitness
/ˈfɪtnəs/
n.
It describes whether something is right or suitable for a particular purpose, role, or situation.
suitability
➕
/ˌsuːtəˈbɪləti/
n.
The quality of being appropriate or qualified for a specific purpose, role, or situation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The committee will assess his fitness for the leadership role based on his past experience and skills.
The committee will assess his suitability for the leadership role based on his past experience and skills.
🔗 Collocations
fitness for purpose – The extent to which something is suitable for its intended use.
fitness test – An assessment to determine if someone meets the required standards for a role.
mental fitness – Suitability in terms of psychological stability and cognitive ability for a task.
🔄 Synonyms
suitability (n.) – The quality of being right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation.
appropriateness (n.) – The quality of being suitable or proper in the circumstances.
competence (n.) – The ability to do something successfully or efficiently, implying fitness for a role.
🚫 Antonyms
unsuitability (n.) – The quality of being inappropriate or not fitting for a purpose.
incompetence (n.) – Inability to do something successfully; lack of fitness for a role.
Wordbook
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