stout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is strong, sturdy, or thick, often in reference to a physical object or a person's build. Example: "The stout tree with its thick trunk stood firm against the strong winds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But as Australia joins the 190-plus other countries navigating the climate stepping stones, it's hard to know whether the Aussies are wearing rubber thongs (those are flip-flops to foreigners) or appropriately stout walking boots.

The Guardian

Aside from history enthusiasts and couples seeking privacy from the crowded city, few enter the red sandstone gate between the fort's stout bastions.

The Guardian

Nothing could be more rugged than the archive images of the mountaineer George Mallory preparing to tackle Everest in stout tweed suit and brown boots – and nothing more skittish than his newly discovered letters to the writer and leading member of the Bloomsbury set, Lytton Strachey.

The Guardian

Sounders FC still has the same problems (susceptible to the counter, moribund offense), but they also have the same advantages (stout run-of-play defense, individuals capable of greatness).

The Guardian - Sport

I'm just saying that I have no way of knowing the veracity of what's been said, but I do know Alberto and I'm sure he will mount a stout defence.

The Guardian - Sport

Go on blustery walks, ride the stout ponies, splash in the indoor waterpark, or cycle the coastal paths.

The Guardian - Travel

Postna, a street near the university, has a cluster of lively bars: Isabella (no 3) serves Bevog pale ale and oatmeal stout made by a Slovene in a microbrewery just over the Austrian border.

The Guardian - Travel

Tune into BBC1 on Sunday morning and you will find the corporation complicit in Marr's convalescent strategy of stout denial.

The Guardian

It serves beers from the town's tiny brewery, Svaneke Bryghus, which include an excellent stout and brown ale.

The Guardian - Travel

Its hoppy pale Supper Club was in good form, and with Titanic stout, Pilsner Urquell and Maisels Weisse wheat beer also available on keg, this is a decent, one-pint stop-off for the passing craft drinker.

The Guardian - Travel

Staples from Kernel and Brooklyn are augmented by guests such as Tiny Rebel's excellent F.U.B.A.R and the Panty stout from Dutch brewer Oedipus.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical object as "stout", ensure that its strength or durability is relevant to the context. For example, "stout walking boots" are suitable for rugged terrain.

Common error

Avoid using "stout" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "robust" or "durable" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Adjectivally, "stout" modifies nouns to describe physical characteristics or strength. Nominally, it refers to a type of dark beer. Ludwig AI indicates its versatile usage in describing both tangible objects and abstract concepts like defense or denial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Travel

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stout" is a versatile term, functioning both as an adjective and a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. Its primary function involves describing either physical strength/build or referring to a dark beer. While its formality is generally neutral, it appears more frequently in news and media contexts. When choosing an alternative, consider nuances of meaning; for instance, "robust" highlights strength, whereas "sturdy" stresses durability. By understanding these subtleties, you can effectively use "stout" and its related terms in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

robust

Emphasizes strength and health, differing slightly from "stout" which can also imply thickness or bulk.

sturdy

Focuses on being well-built and durable, similar to "stout" in describing physical objects or structures.

brawny

Highlights muscular strength, whereas "stout" can refer to a thicker, less defined build.

strong

A general term for power and resistance, "stout" often implies a stocky or thick build in addition to strength.

corpulent

Specifically refers to being overweight or fleshy, a connotation that "stout" can sometimes share but is not always the primary meaning.

plump

Suggests a rounded and full figure, less about strength than the physical appearance described by "stout".

portly

Implies a dignified heaviness, similar to one aspect of "stout" but with an added sense of respectability.

well-built

Describes a strong and solid physique, comparable to one meaning of "stout" but more general.

heavy-set

Focuses on the weight and build of a person, similar to "stout" in its descriptive sense.

stocky

Implies a short and sturdy build, aligning with the physical description aspect of "stout".

FAQs

How can I use "stout" in a sentence?

You can use "stout" to describe a strong beer, as in "a pint of "Irish stout"", or to describe a person's build, such as "a "stout man" with a beard".

What's the difference between "stout" and "sturdy"?

"Stout" often implies a thicker or bulkier build, while "sturdy" emphasizes durability and resistance to wear. A "stout table" might be thick and heavy, whereas a "sturdy table" is well-built and unlikely to break.

Which is correct, "stout defense" or "strong defense"?

Both are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Stout defense" suggests a firm and resolute resistance, while "strong defense" simply indicates a powerful and effective one.

What are some alternatives to using "stout" to describe a person?

Depending on the specific characteristic you want to emphasize, you could use alternatives like "robust", "brawny", "plump", or "heavy-set".