pulchritude

USAGE SUMMARY

'pulchritude' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is aesthetically pleasing or beautiful. For example: "The warm sunset bathed the beach in a wash of gold, creating a breathtaking display of pulchritude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It would continue a damn sight more quickly if Stella ever communicated any of her important findings to the other detectives, instead of staring silently – the camera honouring every angle of her irresistible pulchritude – mumbling a few vague words and slinking off, seething.

Independent

But then the BBC cameramen have always had their lenses turned, if not actually misted, by female pulchritude.

Independent

" 'You're the ultimate in feminine pulchritude.' " "I guess I had a way with words," Ray said.

The New Yorker

When the Mongols overran a place, their captains took some of the women and passed along the more beautiful ones to their superiors, who passed the more beautiful to their superiors, and so on all the way to the khan, who could choose among the pulchritude of a continent.

The New Yorker

Cameron's family circle was a photogenic trout pond of pulchritude and distinction, and when she needed a May Queen, a foolish virgin, or a hirsute sage all she had to do was fish one from her stock.

The New Yorker

It seems that endless varieties of pulchritude salivated to plunge into the kip with this virtuoso of the percales.

The New Yorker

Hamermesh finds that pulchritude is valuable in nearly all professions, not just those where good looks may seem to be an obvious asset, and appearance discrimination has been documented all over the world.

The New Yorker

This blogger, kept under firm house arrest by his own bluestocking eleven year old, who was prepared to renounce her French birth in shock at Dominique Strauss-Kahn's caddishness (if not criminality), made relatively few comments on what used to be called, in a loucher era, the players' pulchritude.

The New Yorker

The Donald was celebrated, most of all by himself, for his exploits with women of unsurpassed pulchritude.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Here, under airport-terminal-like lighting, you can purchase cosmetics and skin-care products — ranging from budget lines such as Maybelline and Neutrogena to fancier foreign ones like Vichy, La Roche-Posay, and Becca — and also be fussed over by a variety of pulchritude-minded professionals.

The New Yorker

Philip Wells's reply is the winner for me - 'pulchritude' is certainly up there on my blacklist.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pulchritude" when you want to convey a sense of sophisticated or elevated beauty, especially in formal or literary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "pulchritude" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound pretentious or overly formal. Simpler words like "beauty" or "attractiveness" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pulchritude" is as a noun. It refers to the quality of being physically beautiful. Ludwig shows examples of its use in describing various subjects, from people to landscapes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pulchritude" is a noun that denotes physical beauty, often used in formal writing to add sophistication and emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent presence in news and media sources. While its use is correct, it's best reserved for formal contexts to avoid sounding pretentious. Consider synonyms like "beauty" or "attractiveness" for everyday use. As shown by Ludwig, "pulchritude" is a valuable word for expressing elevated beauty in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical attractiveness

Focuses more on the observable and tangible aspects of beauty.

aesthetic appeal

Highlights the pleasing qualities appreciated through the senses.

striking beauty

Emphasizes the impressiveness and noteworthiness of the beauty.

alluring charm

Suggests a captivating and attractive quality that draws people in.

exquisite loveliness

Highlights the refined and delicate nature of the beauty.

visual delight

Focuses on the pleasure derived from seeing something beautiful.

captivating grace

Combines beauty with an element of elegance and charm.

sheer gorgeousness

Emphasizes the extreme and undeniable nature of the beauty.

fair appearance

A more neutral way of describing good looks or attractiveness.

pleasing countenance

Refers specifically to the attractiveness of someone's face or expression.

FAQs

How do you use "pulchritude" in a sentence?

You can use "pulchritude" to describe the physical beauty of a person, object, or place. For example: "The artist captured the "pulchritude" of the landscape in his painting."

What is a simpler synonym for "pulchritude"?

Common synonyms for "pulchritude" include "beauty", "attractiveness", and "loveliness". For example, you could say "the beauty of the sunset" instead of "the "pulchritude" of the sunset".

Is it appropriate to use "pulchritude" in academic writing?

Yes, "pulchritude" can be appropriate in academic writing, especially in fields like literature or art history, where a more formal or descriptive tone is desired. However, ensure it aligns with the overall style and register of your writing.

What are some phrases that convey a similar meaning to "pulchritude"?

Phrases that convey a similar meaning include "aesthetic appeal", "physical attractiveness", and "alluring charm". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.