rotund

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rotund" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is round or plump, often referring to a person's physique or an object’s shape. Example: "The rotund figure of the chef was a familiar sight in the bustling kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A mate of mine once asked a particularly rotund and grey-haired actress - who is now specialising in below-stairs cooks and elderly dowagers - which part she would most like to play next.

The Guardian

The state is nearing a health crisis with tens of thousands of people suffering in one way or another from their fat and sugary diet.Mr Barbour, a bit rotund himself, won't deny his penchant for fried chicken and ice cream.

The Economist

George IV, when a rotund prince, liked to gallivant with mistresses there.

The Economist

BIBENDUM, the rotund Michelin man, turned 100 this year, and his happy, cognac-lit smile graces the cover and inside pages of the 1998 edition of the famous Guide Rouge (FFr150) listing 10,000 French hotels and restaurants.

The Economist

With wonderful dexterity he then throws a handful of wet clay onto it and, before the stone slows and falls to the ground, shapes it into a rotund pot.

The Economist

Eliminating the difference between the thresholds in this way would not only cut tax for the lowest paid but inject a much-needed dose of honesty into Britain's tax-and-spend debate.ANDY SILVESTER Campaign director TaxPayers Alliance LondonII struggled to see the relevance of Ken Clarke being "rotund", or Lord Lawson being "more slimline".

The Economist

Already, America's most rotund citizens benefit from bypass surgery and cholesterol-lowering statins.

The Economist

The obesity rates were based on a bespoke indicator akin to the body-mass index that is used to gauge (roughly) whether a person is too rotund.

The Economist

As a rock-ribbed, if rotund, conservative, he admitted he had been flirting with the US Taxpayers Party, whose priorities are to abolish the Federal Reserve, the Internal Revenue Service and the federal income tax.

The Economist

The rotund Mr Clarke permitted himself a smile or two at his successor's gags; mostly he and the more slimline Lord Lawson watched impassively.

The Economist

On July 21st Manmohan Singh convened an historic gathering at the Sansad Bhavan, India's rotund parliament building.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rotund" when you want to convey a sense of roundness or plumpness, often in a slightly formal or literary context. It can be a more descriptive alternative to "fat" or "round".

Common error

Avoid using "rotund" in very casual contexts where a simpler word like "round" or "plump" would be more appropriate. "Rotund" can sound overly formal or even humorous if misused.

Linguistic Context

Adjective. "Rotund" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their round or plump shape. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable in written English. Examples include "a rotund prince" and "rotund figure".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rotund" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective to describe something as round or plump. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English. Primarily found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, it offers a more sophisticated alternative to simpler synonyms. When using "rotund", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality, as overuse in casual settings may sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plump

A more common and less formal synonym for "rotund".

round

A basic descriptor of shape, less specific than "rotund" regarding body shape.

portly

Specifically implies a dignified or stout build, often used for men.

corpulent

A more formal and clinical term for being overweight.

stout

Suggests a stocky and solid build.

chubby

Implies a cute or endearing roundness, often used for children.

well-rounded

Can describe a person's physique or their personality and abilities.

roly-poly

A playful and informal term for a round physique.

full-figured

A euphemistic term, often used to describe women with curves.

spherical

Describes something perfectly round like a ball.

FAQs

How to use "rotund" in a sentence?

You can use "rotund" to describe a round or plump shape. For example, "The "rotund figure" of Santa Claus is iconic".

What can I say instead of "rotund"?

You can use alternatives like "plump", "round", or "stout", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "rotund" a polite way to describe someone's weight?

While "rotund" can be less direct than "fat", it's not always perceived as polite. Consider using more neutral terms like "full-figured" or focusing on positive attributes instead.

What is the difference between "rotund" and "obese"?

"Rotund" generally describes a round or plump shape, while "obese" is a medical term indicating a significantly unhealthy amount of body fat. "Obese" is a more serious and clinical term.