lithe body

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lithe body" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a body that is flexible, graceful, and slender, often in contexts related to physical fitness, dance, or aesthetics. Example: "The dancer moved across the stage with a lithe body, captivating the audience with her fluid movements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Her strong, lithe body writhed and shook.

The Economist

His lithe body is twisted in an imitation of what it means to be a man.

The New Yorker

She seemed self-possessed, in control of her lithe body and alert mind.

The New York Times

Grete Waitz was always on the way, with that lithe body that was built to travel long distances economically, gracefully.

The New York Times - Sports

AFTER 24 years with the New York City Ballet, the last 14 as a principal dancer, Lourdes Lopez knows how to move her lithe body gracefully.

The New York Times

She has the long, lithe body and graceful skills of a fine dancer, along with a good voice and a manner both bubbly and vulnerable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Wearing silky red tunics over black leggings, three ensemble members snake their lithe bodies around each other.

University of Pennsylvania

But both cast-metal figures date from the thirteenth century, and their lithe bodies and inward smiles match.

The New Yorker

It is a slow, almost stately processional for lithe bodies through a day in what appears to be farm country.

The New York Times - Arts

"We do it because we're animals," she said, above a pianist's angular improvisations, as lithe bodies moved smoothly in unison in the mirrored room.

The New York Times

It was my first contemporary dance performance in years, so the notes I took were an exercise in clichés — "raw emotion," "lithe bodies," that sort of thing.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lithe body" to describe someone with a slender and graceful physique, often implying ease of movement and flexibility. It's effective in both descriptive and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "lithe body" when describing someone who is merely thin or underweight. The term implies a positive attribute of graceful strength and agility, not just lack of bulk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lithe body" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. "Lithe" modifies "body", indicating a specific quality of being slender, flexible, and graceful. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lithe body" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone with a slender, flexible, and graceful physique. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is usable in written English, and its examples show its widespread use across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While interchangeable with terms like "agile physique" or "supple form", it is crucial to use the phrase accurately, implying graceful strength rather than mere thinness. Keep in mind its descriptive power to evoke images of athleticism and elegance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lithe physique

Only replaces body with physique to specify an athlete's physical form.

agile physique

Replaces "lithe" with "agile" and "body" with "physique", emphasizing agility and physical form.

supple form

Uses "supple" to highlight flexibility and "form" to suggest aesthetic shape.

flexible figure

Focuses on flexibility and overall shape with "figure".

slender physique

Emphasizes slimness and physical build.

svelte physique

Uses "svelte" to convey elegance and slenderness.

graceful frame

Highlights elegance and skeletal structure.

nimble frame

Highlights agility and quickness of movement.

athletic build

Focuses on the athletic quality of the body.

trim silhouette

Describes the body's outline as being well-proportioned.

FAQs

How to use "lithe body" in a sentence?

You can use "lithe body" to describe someone who is flexible, graceful, and slender, often in contexts related to physical fitness, dance, or aesthetics. For example: "The dancer moved across the stage with a "lithe body", captivating the audience with her fluid movements."

What can I say instead of "lithe body"?

You can use alternatives like "agile physique", "supple form", or "slender physique" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lithe body" or "lean body"?

"Lithe body" and "lean body" are both correct but have slightly different meanings. "Lithe body" implies gracefulness and flexibility, while "lean body" suggests a lack of fat and muscular definition. The choice depends on the specific characteristic you want to emphasize.

Is "lithe body" only used to describe women?

No, "lithe body" can be used to describe both men and women. It refers to a slender and graceful physique, regardless of gender.