plump

USAGE SUMMARY

"plump" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the word "plump" to describe something that is round and filled out. For example: "The plump berries were perfectly ripe and ready to be picked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So is it actually likely Hartlepool voters could plump for Ukip?

The Guardian

But if Davies does plump for expansion at Heathrow, there will be fireworks.

The Guardian

We sit and talk among the ash, charcoal and fallen trees, as the sky darkens and squadrons of plump flies buzz at our faces.

The Guardian

In this instance, our focus is on pancakes on a spectrum from crêpes as delicate as Belgian lace to American pancakes so plump you could sleep on them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

New businesses may lack the means to plump for a prime location in London or Manchester city centre, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The Guardian

The idea popularised by the Tory tabloids, that average public sector wages (not the plump cats whose pay Brown froze today) now run ahead of the private sector, fails to explain that its pool of unskilled workers pulls private sector averages down.

The Guardian - Opinion

The winner was a plump piglet wearing a pair of headphones, christened Oink.

The Guardian - Books

The Yips by Nicola Barker She smells of almonds, like a plump Bakewell pudding; and he is the spoon, the whipped cream, the helpless dollop of warm custard.

The Guardian - Books

How To get this Kew-meets-anarchic country-hotel look, plump for one shade of green and one of blue, then use several tones from each palette in furniture and furnishings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He offers the threat produced by the apparently unthreatening; small, plump, frail, he nonetheless conjures up a strangely devious menace.

The Guardian - Film

Instead, I have a good relationship with my body and my mother, partly because she told me when I was getting a little plump".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical characteristics, consider the connotation of "plump". It can be a gentler alternative to "fat" but should still be used with sensitivity to avoid causing offense.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid relying solely on "plump" to describe size or shape. Opt for more precise and neutral terms like "rounded" or "full" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "plump" functions primarily as an adjective, describing something that is full, rounded, and often pleasing in shape. It can also function as a verb, meaning to choose or favor something, as seen in Ludwig examples like "plump for" a particular option.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plump" is a versatile word primarily used as an adjective to describe a rounded or full shape, often with positive connotations. It also functions as a verb, meaning to choose or favor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, lifestyle, and business. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can shift depending on its role in a sentence. Be mindful of the subtle nuances when describing appearance to avoid potential offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chubby

Focuses specifically on a rounded, slightly overweight appearance, often used to describe people or animals.

fleshy

Emphasizes the presence of flesh and fullness, often in a neutral or descriptive way.

rounded

Highlights the circular shape and lack of sharp angles, implying a smooth, full form.

well-fed

Suggests a state of being adequately nourished, resulting in a healthy fullness.

stout

Implies a solid, sturdy build, often used to describe someone of a heavier stature.

portly

A more formal and sometimes humorous term for being somewhat fat or stout, especially in men.

podgy

Suggests a soft, rounded form, often used affectionately or humorously.

overweight

A more clinical term referring to a body weight exceeding healthy standards.

fattened

Indicates a process of becoming fatter, often deliberately for consumption.

swell

To increase in size or volume, often by absorption of liquid or pressure from within.

FAQs

How can I use "plump" in a sentence?

"Plump" can be used as an adjective to describe something rounded and full, or as a verb meaning to choose or favor something. For example, "The baby had plump cheeks" or "Many voters may "plump for" the independent candidate".

What are some synonyms for "plump" when describing appearance?

When describing appearance, alternatives to "plump" include "chubby", "fleshy", "rounded", and "stout". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more polite, "plump" or "fat"?

"Plump" is generally considered a more polite and gentle term than "fat", especially when describing a person. However, it's always best to be mindful of the context and individual sensitivities.

What does it mean to "plump for" something?

To ""plump for"" something means to choose or decide in favor of it. This usage often implies a deliberate and decisive selection.