lean appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lean appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a slim or slender look, often implying fitness or a lack of excess weight. Example: "After months of training, he achieved a lean appearance that impressed everyone at the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The managerial changes and Dalio's lean appearance have ignited some speculation that he is sick, but he insisted to me that he is fine.

The New Yorker

(After a reporter for The New York Times asked about his lean appearance at a conference last month, Mr. Jobs said he was healthy).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was 17 and already had the lean, nervous appearance of Elio.

The Guardian - Film

The role, described as "hunky", was considered ill-fitting for Arquette's lean, slender appearance and approach but Arquette was still allowed to audition for the part.

Wikipedia

People who knew him during his Gold Bridge days likened his lean, sharp-eyed appearance and remote manner to Clint Eastwood's.

The New Yorker

If your at-home appearance leans toward casual, take some time to polish up.

Forbes

Today, expensive health food and the leisure time and money to use the gym with a personal trainer are often seen as indicators of affluence – but usually access to those resources results in a leaner, more muscular appearance.

Forbes

As suspected, contributors such as Rostam, Jamie xx, and Yung Lean all made appearances on the record.

Vice

Meanwhile, the most consumed images are of celebrities whose appearances lean more toward Western ideals of beauty.

Vice

For the better part of 14 years, he appeared in smaller roles; his tall, lean, brutal, stone-faced appearance made him an excellent choice for the role of villain in Hollywood action films and westerns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Throughout the movie, Mr. Fiennes's lean, handsome Luther, whose appearance resembles kitsch illustrations of a dewy-eyed Jesus, emits a palpable glow of sanctity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in fiction, use "lean appearance" to subtly imply health, discipline, or even hardship depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "lean appearance" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for terms like "slim physique" or "athletic build" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean appearance" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to specify its physical attribute. Examples from Ludwig show it describing a person's physique or build.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lean appearance" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a slim or slender physical aspect. As Ludwig highlights, it is used in various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. Though not exceptionally common, it effectively conveys the idea of a physique with minimal excess fat. Alternatives such as ""slim physique"" or ""athletic frame"" might be preferred in more formal settings. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate term to convey the intended meaning. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly usable in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim physique

Focuses more on the overall body shape and leanness.

slender build

Emphasizes the delicate and graceful aspect of being lean.

athletic frame

Highlights the fitness and toned nature of a lean body.

trim figure

Implies a well-proportioned and neat lean look.

lithe form

Suggests flexibility and agility in addition to leanness.

svelte silhouette

Focuses on the slender outline or shape of the body.

toned body

Highlights muscle definition and low body fat.

wiry physique

Suggests a lean but strong and resilient body type.

angular look

Emphasizes sharp bone structure due to leanness.

gaunt face

Suggests an unhealthy or excessively thin facial appearance.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a "lean appearance" in different words?

You can use alternatives like "slim physique", "slender build", or "athletic frame", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lean appearance" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lean appearance" might sound less formal than alternatives like "trim figure" or "toned body". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What does it mean when someone is described as having a "lean appearance"?

Generally, it indicates that the person is slim and has little excess fat. The term can also imply fitness and health.

What's the difference between "lean appearance" and "gaunt face"?

"Lean appearance" usually has positive connotations of fitness. "Gaunt face", on the other hand, suggests an unhealthy thinness and may imply illness or deprivation.