full of figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of figure" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear in meaning.
It could be used in contexts where you want to describe something as being rich in imagery or representation, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The painting was full of figure, capturing the essence of human emotion through its vibrant colors and dynamic forms."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dressed in a dark suit and no tie, and still full of figure, he did not even look like a prisoner.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Every Monday, 82 managers send him two-page e-mail reports full of figures.

The New York Times

It is true that our history is full of figures who are flawed, but endure.

The New Yorker

But then Goya's later Black Paintings are full of figures cut off at the knees, and there are drastic revisions throughout his work.

The Guardian - Arts

It is chock full of figures, broken down by region and industry, of research spending, patents filed, scientists employed and other important-sounding variables.

The Economist

The connecting link and strongest element is his preference for full-force, almost enamel-like colors — red, indigo, magenta, green and black — deployed in scraped, prismatic layers full of figures and faces both photographic and semi-abstract.

The New York Times

It is full of figures, but the viewer's attention is caught by the boy at the lower right of the painting who is pointing enthusiastically at the goings-on, and linking the events to the viewer.

The New York Times

The media is full of figures and comments, summed up by Roger Hunt at the Met Office, who says that "it is quite momentous, but it is something we are going to have to get used to".

The Guardian

He said he learned it at the Irish Times, where he wrote to the end of his life a Saturday column full of figures under the pen-name "Analyst".

The Economist

While lazy politicians and journalists will parrot claims that Saddam Hussein and the Ba'ath government represented the minority Sunni Arabs and marginalised the Shia and the Kurds, reality, figures and facts will all testify that Iraq was constantly governed by cabinets full of figures from all sections of Iraqi society, Sunni and Shia, Muslim and Christian, Arab and Kurd.

The Guardian - Opinion

These detailed observations led Klein to develop a view of the importance of the unconscious fantasies the child's play expressed – an inner world full of figures interacting in both loving and aggressive ways, and she regarded this as a useful model for understanding the unconscious mind of the adult as well.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, consider the context and audience to ensure "full of figure" is appropriate and won't be misinterpreted or cause offense. Alternatives like "shapely" or "well-proportioned" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "full of figure" when you intend to convey someone is simply overweight. The phrase often carries a connotation of attractiveness or a pleasing shape, so it's not interchangeable with terms that solely describe weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of figure" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically used to describe a person's physical appearance. It often carries a connotation of attractiveness or a pleasing shape. Ludwig provides examples where it describes someone who 'did not even look like a prisoner'.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of figure" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to portray a person's physical appearance, often with an implication of attractiveness or pleasing proportions. While grammatically acceptable, its usage is relatively rare, with instances found primarily in news, media and business contexts. Ludwig AI's assessment points out that while the phrase is technically correct, it's not a standard expression and advises considering the specific context to ensure its appropriateness. Alternatives such as "shapely" or "well-proportioned" might be more suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-proportioned

Focuses on balanced physical attributes, implying a pleasing aesthetic rather than general abundance.

shapely

Similar to "well-proportioned" but emphasizes curves and contours.

curvaceous

Specifically highlights the presence of curves, often in a flattering way.

ample

Indicates a generous quantity or size, not specifically physical but can apply.

plump

Suggests a rounded or fleshy build, often implying a healthy appearance.

robust

Implies strength and health, with a connotation of fullness or richness.

rounded

Emphasizes a lack of sharp angles, suggesting a smooth and full form.

well-rounded

Describes a person's character as complete and balanced, rather than their physical shape.

zaftig

A Yiddish term describing a woman as pleasantly plump or full-figured.

voluptuous

Conveys sensuality and attractiveness through a full, curvaceous figure.

FAQs

What does "full of figure" mean?

"Full of figure" typically describes someone with a curvaceous or shapely body, often considered attractive. It's a gentler way of describing someone who isn't slender but has appealing proportions.

What are some alternative ways to say "full of figure"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "shapely", "curvaceous", "well-proportioned", or "voluptuous".

Is "full of figure" a polite way to describe someone's body?

It can be, as it avoids directly mentioning weight. However, like any body-related descriptor, consider your audience and the potential for misinterpretation or offense. Choose terms that are respectful and appropriate for the situation.

Is "full of figure" the same as overweight?

No, "full of figure" implies an attractive shape, while "overweight" is a general term for exceeding a healthy weight. The terms are not interchangeable, and using them as such could be insensitive.