fine-boned

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fine-boned" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a body type that is slim, slender, and delicate. You can use it to describe people, animals, or objects. For example: "She had a slender frame, with delicate, fine-boned hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She is slender and fine-boned.

The New Yorker

His face echoes his grandfather's fine-boned wolfishness.

Independent

But he is actually fine-boned and petite.

Independent

They were tiny and fine-boned like gazelles.

The Guardian - Travel

They are fine-boned and well-balanced, often considered graceful animals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Louisa, a fine-boned brunette, wandered in and gave her brother a hug.

The New Yorker

She was pale and fine-boned, with the huge eyes of a waif.

The New Yorker

I'm still holding her head in my lap, her fine-boned head".

The New Yorker

Russian Blues are fine-boned with long, slim legs and a slender body.

Britannica

Fine-boned and wasp-waisted, Parker plays Hedda as an icy, eye-rolling, passive-aggressive bitch.

The New Yorker

For a while, Annie's fine-boned petiteness seemed to be just a family trait.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fine-boned" to describe a person or animal with a slender and delicate build, especially when emphasizing elegance or refinement. For example, "She was a "fine-boned" woman with an air of sophistication."

Common error

Avoid using "fine-boned" to describe objects or structures that lack a sense of delicacy or elegance. It's generally reserved for living beings or artistic creations where a sense of refinement is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fine-boned" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a slender, delicate, or refined skeletal structure. Ludwig shows examples of this usage in describing people and animals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fine-boned" is a descriptive adjective used to convey a sense of slenderness, delicacy, and refinement, primarily in describing people or animals. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using "fine-boned", consider its implications of elegance and avoid applying it to contexts where such qualities are not relevant. Alternatives like "delicate-featured" or "slender-framed" may offer more precise descriptions depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate-featured

Focuses on the fineness of facial features rather than overall bone structure.

slender-framed

Emphasizes the slimness of the body's skeletal structure.

petite

Highlights smallness and daintiness in stature.

gracefully built

Focuses on the aesthetic quality of the physique, emphasizing elegance.

finely sculpted

Implies a refined and delicate physical form, like a work of art.

delicately structured

Highlights the fragility and intricacy of the physique.

slight of build

Emphasizes the smallness and lack of robustness in physical form.

thin-limbed

Specifically refers to slender arms and legs.

fragile-looking

Focuses on the apparent delicacy and vulnerability of the person.

narrow-shouldered

Highlights a particular aspect of the physique: the narrowness of the shoulders.

FAQs

How can I use "fine-boned" in a sentence?

You can use "fine-boned" to describe someone with a delicate and slender physique, such as, "The dancer was admired for her "fine-boned" elegance and graceful movements."

What are some synonyms for "fine-boned"?

Alternatives to "fine-boned" include "delicate-featured", "slender-framed", or "petite", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a man as "fine-boned"?

Yes, it's appropriate to describe a man as "fine-boned" if he has a slender and delicate build. For example, "He was a "fine-boned" man with a patrician face."

What is the difference between "fine-boned" and "thin"?

"Fine-boned" describes the structure and delicacy of the bones, while "thin" refers to overall body mass. Someone can be "thin" without being "fine-boned", and vice versa. For instance, someone might be slender but muscular, and therefore not considered "fine-boned".