The spelling of the word "olympic" can be confusing because it contains several vowel sounds. It is pronounced /əˈlɪm.pɪk/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, represented by the mark /ə/, followed by a short "i" sound, represented by /ɪ/. The second syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound, represented by /iː/. The final syllable is pronounced with an unaspirated "p" sound, represented by /p/. It is important to note that the spelling does not accurately reflect the pronunciation of the word.
Olympic is an adjective that refers to anything related to the Olympics, an international sporting event held every four years. The term originates from the Ancient Olympic Games, which were first held in ancient Greece around 776 BC. These games were initially dedicated to the Greek god Zeus and were held to honor and unite the various Greek city-states.
In modern times, the Olympic Games have evolved into a global event that brings together athletes from across the world to compete in a wide range of sports. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) organizes and oversees these games, ensuring fair play, sportsmanship, and unity among participating nations.
The term "Olympic" can also refer to the various aspects and elements associated with the games. This includes the Olympic symbols such as the Olympic rings, the Olympic torch, and the Olympic flag. Additionally, it encompasses the Olympic motto of "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Latin for "Faster, Higher, Stronger") and the values of excellence, friendship, and respect that the games aim to promote.
The Olympic Games have become an international celebration of athleticism, cultural exchange, and friendly competition. They serve as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and represent their countries, while fostering unity and understanding between nations. The significance of the Olympic Games extends beyond sports, making it a symbol of global cooperation, fair competition, and the pursuit of excellence.
Pert. to Olympia or Olympus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Olympic" comes from the ancient Greek word "Olympikós" (Ὀλυμπικός), which is derived from "Ólympos" (Ὄλυμπος) - the name of the highest mountain in Greece. In Greek mythology, Zeus, the king of the gods, was believed to live on Mount Olympus. The Olympic Games, an ancient Greek athletic festival held every four years in honor of Zeus, took place in Olympia, a sanctuary near the western coast of the Peloponnese peninsula. Hence, the term "Olympic" refers to these games and is associated with the ancient Greek belief in the divine connection to Mount Olympus and the gods. Today, the Olympic Games continue to carry this historical and symbolic meaning.