-athon
suffix
UK/-əˌθɒn/US/-əˌθɑːn/
Used to indicate an extended or prolonged event, often involving a particular activity or task, typically for charity, competition, or endurance.
Example Sentences
The school organized a walkathon to raise funds for charity.
A danceathon was held to break the record for the longest dance event.
The coding hackathon attracted participants from all over the country.
The community gathered for a readathon to promote literacy.
The TV network aired a movie marathon all weekend.
The radio station hosted a talkathon to engage listeners for 24 hours.
The swimathon aimed to raise awareness about water conservation.
Participants competed enthusiastically in the annual runathon event.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Suffix denoting a prolonged event or activity, often for a cause.The suffix '-athon' is a modern adaptation, often used informally to denote an extended or marathon-like event. Examples include 'telethon' (a televised fundraising event), 'danceathon' (a prolonged dance competition), and 'readathon' (a reading marathon). It emphasizes duration, effort, or intensity and is commonly associated with events aimed at achieving a goal or raising awareness for a cause. When using '-athon,' pair it with an activity or theme to make the purpose and context clear.
Alternatives
Alternatives include terms like 'campaign' (e.g., 'fundraising campaign') or 'drive' (e.g., 'food drive') for similar extended efforts. '-fest' (e.g., 'film fest') can be used for celebratory or activity-based events.
Writing
In writing, '-athon' conveys a sense of engagement and effort, often in a lighthearted or enthusiastic tone. Use it for informal or promotional contexts, such as community events or charity drives, where the goal is to encourage participation.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-athon' words are catchy and intuitive, making them effective for describing events. For example, a 'movieathon' might refer to a long session of watching films with friends. The playful tone is well-suited to informal discussions.
Etymology
The suffix '-athon' originates from 'marathon,' the long-distance race, which in turn derives from the Battle of Marathon in ancient Greece. Its modern use began in the 20th century, with events like 'telethon' setting the trend for applying '-athon' to activities requiring endurance, effort, or dedication.
