la natation

Definition & meaning

• Primary meaning: Natation refers to the sport or activity of swimming. It encompasses the act of propelling oneself through water using limbs, either for leisure, exercise, or as a competitive sport.
• Secondary meaning: In a more formal or clinical context, it can describe the swimming motion or the ability to swim.

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is a feminine noun (la natation).
• Word origin: It is derived from the Latin word natatio, which comes from the verb natare, meaning "to swim."

Synonyms & antonyms

• Synonyms:
  • Baignade↗ (implies bathing or swimming for pleasure).
  • Nage↗ (a more general term for the act of swimming).
• Antonyms:
  • There are no direct lexical antonyms for the concept of "swimming," though in a sporting context, activities involving land-based movement like course↗ (running) or marche↗ (walking) are often contrasted with it.