corpulent

USAGE SUMMARY

"corpulent" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means "excessively fat" and is typically used to describe people. For example: "The corpulent man needed two seats on the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paired by Warner Brothers in a recurring double-act with the imposingly corpulent Greenstreet (they have been memorably described as "the Laurel and Hardy of crime"), Lorre found a home in film noir, a genre receptive to grotesque vigour and the eccentric variety of life.

The Guardian - Film

But the problem for Murielle is the hold that André, a corpulent middle-aged doctor, has on her marriage and ultimately on her life.

The Guardian - Film

The corpulent and crafty imam was a staple of films churned out by Turkey's version of Hollywood, called Yesilcam (Green Pine).When the mildly Islamist Justice and Development (AK) party catapulted to power 12 years ago, pious Muslims saw their dignity restored.

The Economist

The "vast and trunkless legs" could as well belong to the famously corpulent Prince Regent, holding lavish banquets in Carlton House while the poor scraped and starved; the "sneer of cold command" would suit any of the raging, gorging, hell-hound-loosing rulers depicted in "Queen Mab", Shelley's radical and youthful outpouring of 1813.

The Economist

Where the goddess is corpulent, Mr Koons's Venus is palpably pregnant.

The Economist

In a report released last week, "Fighting Corruption in Public Services: Chronicling Georgia's Reforms", the authors note that the country's notoriously bent traffic police of early 2000s were "mostly corpulent".

The Economist

But, in his own corpulent way, he also represents a more diligent side of dynasty.

The Economist

Above all, Mr Kohl failed to modernise a corpulent economy when the going was good.

The Economist

"I grew up castrating hogs on an Iowa farm," she said with a smile, amid snorting, corpulent pigs.

The Economist

It had the monkey suggesting that Hassan Firouzabadi, the corpulent head of Iran's combined armed forces, could be jammed into the narrow waterway at the mouth of the Gulf.Most popular of all are the show's fake interviews, in which a reporter in London is spliced into archive footage of Iranian politicians.

The Economist

The official story is that the corpulent despot was shot through the neck by a bodyguard, who was in turn killed shortly afterwards.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "corpulent" to add a degree of formality and precision when describing someone's physique, particularly in literary or descriptive contexts. It is a more refined and less judgmental alternative to simpler terms like "fat".

Common error

Avoid using "corpulent" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place and even pretentious if not used carefully. Opt for more common and straightforward terms like "fat" or "overweight" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "corpulent" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns, typically people or animals, to indicate they have a large, bulky body. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where "corpulent" directly describes a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "corpulent" is an adjective used to describe someone or something with a large, bulky body. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While "corpulent" can effectively convey a formal and precise description, consider the potential for negative connotations and opt for more neutral terms when appropriate. As Rudyard Kipling said of Edward VII, he was a "corpulent voluptuary".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obese

A more common and direct synonym for "corpulent".

portly

Suggests a stout or somewhat dignified form of "corpulence".

stout

Emphasizes a thick and heavy build.

plump

Indicates a full, rounded figure, often with a positive connotation.

overweight

A general term for exceeding a healthy weight.

fat

A simple and direct, though sometimes considered impolite, synonym.

heavyset

Describes a person with a solid and weighty build.

fleshy

Highlights the abundance of flesh or fat.

chubby

Suggests a pleasantly rounded appearance, especially in children.

bulky

Implies a large and unwieldy size or shape.

FAQs

How do I use "corpulent" in a sentence?

"Corpulent" is typically used as an adjective to describe a person or animal with a large, bulky body. For example, "The "corpulent man" struggled to fit into the small chair."

What can I say instead of "corpulent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "obese", "portly", or "stout". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it offensive to describe someone as "corpulent"?

While "corpulent" is a more formal and clinical term than "fat", it can still be perceived as negative. Consider the context and your audience when choosing whether to use this word. In some situations, a more neutral term like "overweight" might be preferable.

What is the difference between "corpulent" and "obese"?

Both "corpulent" and "obese" describe someone who is very overweight, but "obese" is a more clinical term often used in medical contexts, while "corpulent" is generally used in descriptive or literary contexts. "Corpulent" often carries a slightly more negative connotation.