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Now added to our Glossary of Confusing Words: gymnasiumIn the U.S. a gymnasium, more commonly referred to as a gym, is a building where athletic activities take place.
Most colleges and universities have a gym for students to use for sports and athletic activities. The gym will usually have a fitness center where students can work out. In every day English, that fitness center is also called a gym.
The building where indoor varsity sports are played may also be called a gymnasium.
Some of you might be wondering why we would define a word like "gymnasium," which has such a clear meaning in English. Well, in parts of Eastern and Central Europe, and Scandinavia, a gymnasium is a high school. Now that's confusing!
» Visit the Glossary of Confusing Words to see all the other words we've defined so far.
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