lean build

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lean build" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person who has a slim and toned physique, often associated with fitness or athleticism. Example: "Despite his lean build, he was incredibly strong and agile, excelling in various sports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Smith's long, lean build lent itself to playing quarterback.

The New York Times - Sports

He attended Duke on a football scholarship, and he retains the lean build of an athlete.

The New Yorker

Crews has long white-blond hair and the lean build of a runner.

The New Yorker

At 5-foot-9 and 137 pounds, Gilmore has the lean build for running.

The New York Times - Sports

With his shaggy hair, lean build and weathered, leathered skin, Cotterell looks like the aging surfer he is.

The New York Times - Sports

Al-Issawi has a taut, lean build and the cautious air of a man who has weathered many controversies and covered many wars.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The Tar Heels are tall and lean, built like half-milers who want to run from the front.

The New York Times - Sports

This includes noting eroded features, vegetation leans, build-up of snow, snowfall direction, rime deposits (these grow into the wind) and sastrugi.

WikiHow

Ghosh built Khan as a character with lean physical build but full of mental strength, loyalty and patriotism.

Wikipedia

He had a lean, muscular build, short-cropped hair the color of metal filings, and a passport that bore entry and exit stamps from the following killing grounds: Kosovo, Afghanistan, Somalia, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Burundi, Rwanda, and Zaire.

The New Yorker

The risk factors for loss of bone in older people include genetic susceptibility, smoking, lean body build, inactivity, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and estrogen deficiency in women and testosterone deficiency in men.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's physique, use "lean build" to convey a sense of health and fitness, avoiding terms that might imply unhealthy thinness. "Lean build" suggests a positive attribute associated with athleticism or good health.

Common error

Be specific about what you mean by "lean build". If you intend to communicate athleticism or strength, ensure the surrounding context clarifies this. Otherwise, it might be misinterpreted as simply being underweight. For instance, instead of just saying 'He had a lean build', you could say 'He had a lean, muscular build perfect for running'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean build" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It acts as an adjective-noun combination, modifying a subject by indicating their physical structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a recognized phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lean build" is a common and accepted way to describe a slender and often athletic physique. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While generally neutral in tone, it typically carries positive connotations of health and fitness. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure you're conveying the intended meaning, as "lean" can sometimes be misinterpreted. Alternatives like "athletic frame" or "slender figure" might be more appropriate depending on the specific qualities you wish to highlight. "Lean build" is frequently found in news articles and general-interest writing, suggesting its broad appeal and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim physique

Replaces 'build' with 'physique', emphasizing the overall physical form with a focus on slenderness.

athletic frame

Substitutes 'lean' with 'athletic' and 'build' with 'frame', highlighting the fitness aspect of the body type.

slender figure

Uses 'slender' to denote thinness and 'figure' to refer to the body's outline, suggesting an elegant leanness.

toned physique

Emphasizes muscle definition and fitness level, replacing 'lean' with 'toned'.

lithe body

Focuses on flexibility and gracefulness, using 'lithe' to suggest a supple and slender body.

trim silhouette

Describes the outline of the body as being neat and slender, suggesting a well-proportioned leanness.

svelte form

Highlights the elegance and slenderness of the body shape, using 'svelte' to imply a graceful thinness.

streamlined physique

Implies efficiency and lack of excess, suggesting a body optimized for performance.

compact build

Focuses on a smaller, tightly formed physique, which can also imply leanness.

wiry frame

Suggests a lean but strong build, emphasizing toughness and resilience.

FAQs

How can I describe a "lean build" in more detail?

You can elaborate by adding adjectives that specify the type of leanness, such as "lean muscular build" for someone athletic, or "naturally lean build" if it's inherent.

What's the difference between "lean build" and "skinny build"?

"Lean build" implies a healthy, fit physique with low body fat, while "skinny build" can suggest being underweight or lacking muscle mass. The former is generally more positive.

Is "lean build" only used to describe people?

While primarily used for people, "lean" can describe objects or structures implying efficiency or lack of excess, such as a "lean agile build" in software development.

What are some alternative ways to say "lean build" that emphasize different aspects?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "athletic frame" to highlight fitness, or "slender figure" to emphasize a slim appearance.