thickset

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'thickset' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning stocky or solid build, and is often used to describe muscular people or animals. Example sentence: The border collie was a thickset animal, with a dense coat of fur and powerful legs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are on the front-line," said a thickset nephew of Mr Malik, Israr Khan, with a Kalashnikov sub-machinegun on his shoulder.

The Economist

The short-tailed pouched rats (genus Saccostomus) are small and thickset, weighing about 75 grams (2.6 ounces) and having bodies up to 18 cm long and much shorter tails.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thickset fish with large heads and mouths, small eyes, and bumpy skins covered with wartlike lumps and, sometimes, fleshy flaps, they rest on the bottom, unmoving, blending almost exactly with their surroundings in form and color.

Britannica

A short, thickset, tailless dog with a dense, black coat and a foxlike head, the schipperke stands 10 to 13 inches (25 to 33 cm) and weighs up to 18 pounds (8 kg).

Encyclopedia Britannica

As he spoke, a car with its number plates removed pulled up and a gaggle of thickset tattooed men in tracksuits  went into the building.

Independent

A main street lined with thickset men trying to lure passers-by into the bars told the same story.

Independent

"This is a thickset horse who bends his knee, the sort who loves soft ground," Queally said.

Independent

The heavy, thickset brow of the computer-modelled "virtual" ancestor is very characteristic of early pre-anatomically modern human lineages and very similar to Neanderthal, but lost in modern humans.

Independent

Wayne Rooney's gashed head means he will miss England's visit to Ukraine, but on the pitch there will at least be one a thickset, balding forward who combines muscularity with technical ability and got sent off against Montenegro.

Independent

In appearance he is described as having been light-skinned, handsome, thickset, and short-legged.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Schelling is described as a man of thickset build, and, according to favourable reports, his high forehead and sparkling eyes were impressive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thickset" to describe dense vegetation or closely packed objects, effectively conveying the idea of a solid, impenetrable mass.

Common error

Be aware that using "thickset" to describe a person might be perceived as critical or unflattering. Consider alternatives like "sturdy" or "well-built" to avoid negative implications.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "thickset" primarily functions as a descriptive modifier, providing information about the physical characteristics of a noun, whether it's a person, animal, or vegetation. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in describing physical appearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thickset" is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe a solid and sturdy physical build, applicable to people, animals, and even vegetation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and commonly used. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to be mindful of potential negative connotations when describing people; consider alternatives like "sturdy" or "well-built". It appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Mastering its usage involves understanding its descriptive power and potential impact on the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solidly built

Directly states the robust nature of the construction of someone's body.

stocky build

Focuses on the overall build and proportions rather than just density.

heavyset figure

Emphasizes a larger, heavier physique.

stout physique

Highlights a solid and sturdy body type.

robust build

Describes a strong and healthy physique.

compact build

Suggests a densely packed and solid form.

burly frame

Implies a strong and muscular build.

brawny

Indicates a muscular and strong physique.

densely planted

Refers to a close arrangement, similar to "thickset" in describing plants.

closely packed

Describes items positioned very near to one another; semantically related in density.

FAQs

How can I use "thickset" in a sentence?

You can use "thickset" to describe someone with a stocky build, as in "He was a "thickset" man with broad shoulders". It can also describe densely planted vegetation.

What's the difference between "thickset" and "stocky"?

"Thickset" generally implies a solid, heavy build, while "stocky" refers to a short, sturdy frame. They are similar but not interchangeable; a person can be "thickset" without being particularly short, and vice versa.

What are some synonyms for "thickset" when describing a person?

Alternatives include "heavyset figure", "stocky build", "stout physique", and "solidly built". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "thickset" to describe someone's body type?

While technically correct, using "thickset" to describe someone could be considered insensitive. Opt for more neutral terms like "robust build" or "sturdy frame" to avoid causing offense.