acrobatics
acrobatics Lexical Profile
acrobatics Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The art, sport, or performance of extraordinary human feats of balance, agility, and motor coordination, such as tumbling, somersaulting, and trapeze work.
"The circus performers amazed the audience with their breathtaking aerial acrobatics."
A display of nimble, complex, or ingenious mental, verbal, or political maneuvering, especially to avoid difficulty or criticism.
"The spokesperson's rhetorical acrobatics failed to distract reporters from the underlying scandal."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to the discipline or art form as a whole, 'acrobatics' takes a singular verb (e.g., 'Acrobatics requires immense strength'); when referring to a specific set of feats or maneuvers, it takes a plural verb (e.g., 'His verbal acrobatics were unconvincing').
• Rhymes for acrobatics
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the French 'acrobate', which comes from the Ancient Greek 'akrobatēs' (one who walks on tiptoe or climbs aloft), combining 'akros' (highest point or extremity) and 'bainein' (to walk or go).