physique

USAGE SUMMARY

"physique" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the physical size, shape, and structure of a person's body. For example: "He has a lean physique and is a dedicated weightlifter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Guardian

The Economist

Encyclopedia Britannica

SEP

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Guts, sinew, spleen, backbone, heart: frankly, given their depleted physique it is a miracle England's players can even drag themselves off the team bus.

The Guardian - Sport

A man with a Napoleonic physique and ambitions, he was noted for his pinstriped suits and highly polished shoes, looking every inch the City figure he was.

The Guardian

The assailant : Eric Cantona By Darren Tulett Barefoot and bearded, his long hair swept back, Eric Cantona strides towards me in a red beach-football kit, his imposing physique seeming to fill the corridor of the Paris arena where soon he will receive the biggest ovation of this star-filled night.

The Guardian - Sport

Furthermore, she has an unusual physique compared with her peers: more muscular and curvaceous.

The Guardian

Among his students, he was renowned for his tall physique, long, flowing beard, bright shirts and theatrical presentations.

The Guardian

Walking out to the middle for the toss, my boy and the Surrey captain shared blond hair, a stocky physique and an awkwardness in their roles – it jarred when I realised that, though not yet 50, I was plenty old enough to be father to both of them.

The Guardian - Sport

Brushing aside any assault on his inner "self", he filed this emergency under "physique", not "psychology", a stunning assertion of self-will.

The Guardian

Like the best batsmen, the best fast-bowlers are as much the product of technique as of physique.

The Economist

Rival fly-halves may be just as short but they pack at least another 20lb (9kg) of muscle on their frames.Only cricket is left to confirm the truth of our heresyAll of which leaves only one sport to confirm the truth of our heresy while still testing the athlete to the limits of both physique and personality.

The Economist

Grandiose museums, reverential monuments and statues were alien to him.But flash suits, white silk scarves and a physical-fitness regimen at least partly designed to maintain a boxer's muscular physique were not.

The Economist

This fact has been used for support by those who think the human psyche evolved separately from, and more recently than, the physique of Homo sapiens.Both fossil evidence and DNA analysis using molecular clocks (estimates of historical mutation rates) agree that Homo sapiens is 150,000-200,000 years old.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "physique", be specific about the qualities you're highlighting (e.g., muscular, lean, athletic) to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid using "physique" as a standalone compliment or critique. Instead, provide context by describing specific aspects, such as muscle tone, posture, or body proportions, to make your observation more meaningful and less subjective.

Linguistic Context

The word "physique" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the body's form or structure. It often implies a focus on the physical development or condition of a person, as seen in Ludwig's examples about athletes and physical training.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "physique" is a noun commonly used to describe the physical form or structure of a person's body. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. The analysis of usage patterns reveals that it appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When describing someone's "physique", be specific about the qualities to make your description clearer and more meaningful. While generally neutral in tone, context and relationship with the person are crucial in determining appropriateness. Overall, "physique" is a useful and versatile term for discussing physical attributes in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build

Simple and direct way to refer to someone's body shape.

body build

Focuses on the structure and development of the body.

physical form

Emphasizes the shape and appearance of the body.

bodily shape

Another way to describe the form or outline of a body.

body structure

Highlights the skeletal and muscular framework.

physical stature

Emphasizes height and overall body size.

physical appearance

Broadly refers to how someone looks physically.

figure

A general term for the outline or shape of the body, often implying attractiveness.

body composition

Refers to the proportion of fat, muscle, and bone in the body.

physical condition

Focuses on the overall health and fitness of the body.

FAQs

How can I use "physique" in a sentence?

You can use "physique" to describe someone's body build or physical appearance, for example: "He developed an impressive physique through weightlifting" or "Her athletic physique allowed her to excel in sports."

What words are similar to "physique"?

Similar words include "build", "figure", "body structure", and "physical form". The best choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to comment on someone's "physique"?

It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. Positive comments about someone's fitness or athletic achievements are generally acceptable, but avoid making objectifying or judgmental remarks.

What is the difference between "physique" and "physical appearance"?

"Physique" refers specifically to the structure and development of the body, often in the context of fitness or aesthetics. "Physical appearance" is a broader term that includes all aspects of how someone looks, including their face, hair, and clothing.