voluptuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "voluptuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is full, curvy, or appealing in a sensual way, often referring to a person's body or certain types of art and aesthetics. Example: "The painting featured a voluptuous figure that captivated the audience with its curves and elegance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

7 August KEMBRA PFALER "Kembra, from the Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black, is one of the most important artists in New York.

The Guardian - Music

And there's Deanna who, "as a voluptuous woman," is clearly afraid of black men.

The Guardian - Opinion

She fronts a glam-punk band called the Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black.

The Guardian - Music

So Nigerian advertisers must be both deft and sensitive.Many southerners rather enjoy ads involving voluptuous women dancing suggestively.

The Economist

Rather than a mayor, he was governor of some vaguely defined territory in the American west and uttered those famous lines, "work, work, work, work", only once while staring into the voluptuous, exposed breasts of his secretary, "Miss Stein".

The Economist

For example, painters who drew from the aesthetic of Huang Gongwang, the oldest of the four Yuan artists, admired his voluptuous mountains and towering plateaus, formed by dragging a brush along the paper.

The Economist

Instead, Mr Banville's style affords the reader a voluptuous, unfashionable pleasure that grows with every re-reading of the book and casts the story with ease into second place.In London, Mr Banville's win was hailed with mixed feelings; in his native Ireland, he is being treated as a conquering hero.

The Economist

And the little aircraft sent aloft to publicise "The Outlaw" over Pasadena simply made two large, hazy circles in the sky, with a point at the centre of each one.The pair in question were neither voluptuous nor pneumatic by the standards of silicone inflation that came later.

The Economist

He seems unaware of the fierce puritanism and medieval punishments for which the Taliban are notorious in the West.He and his friends are big fans of Bollywood movies, with their dashing, unbearded Muslim male leads, their infectious tunes and their voluptuous heroines, none of which would please the Taliban.

The Economist

But early in 1932 she suddenly inspired a feverish season of painting, and Picasso prepared new work for an exhibition featuring his voluptuous blonde muse.

The Economist

Attended by 50 designers, including Armani and Dior, and a dozen hairdressers, she is adored by conventions, clubs, websites and collectors.Several decades ago, Barbie's creator, Ruth Handler, saw a Swiss doll called Lilli, voluptuous and wearing heels.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "voluptuous" to describe figures or objects that evoke a sense of sensual pleasure and abundance, especially when the curves or fullness are a key aspect of their appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "voluptuous" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral or objective term is appropriate. Opt for words like "curvaceous" or "full-figured" if describing physical attributes is necessary but should be done delicately.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "voluptuous" functions primarily as a descriptive term, modifying nouns to convey a sense of sensual fullness, luxury, and pleasurable sensation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "voluptuous" is used to describe something suggestive of full, generous, pleasurable sensation. Ludwig AI states the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as encyclopedias. When using "voluptuous", consider the specific context and audience to ensure that the tone aligns with the intended message. If a more neutral description is needed, alternatives like "curvaceous" or "full-figured" may be more appropriate. The most important usage tip is to use "voluptuous" to describe figures or objects that evoke a sense of sensual pleasure and abundance, especially when the curves or fullness are a key aspect of their appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curvaceous

Focuses specifically on the attractive curves of a body.

buxom

Specifically refers to a woman with large breasts.

full-figured

Emphasizes a generous and rounded body shape.

well-endowed

A polite way to describe someone with large breasts or other attractive features.

sensuous

Highlights the sensual and pleasurable aspects.

luxurious

Shifts the focus to opulence and richness, applicable to objects or experiences.

lush

Suggests abundance and richness, often used for landscapes or vegetation.

opulent

Similar to luxurious, but with a stronger emphasis on display and extravagance.

ample

Indicates a generous or abundant quantity.

sumptuous

Suggests richness and extravagance, often used for food or fabrics.

FAQs

How can I use "voluptuous" in a sentence?

You can use "voluptuous" to describe something that is full, curvy, and appealing in a sensual way. For example: "The sculpture depicted a "voluptuous" figure."

What's a less suggestive alternative to "voluptuous"?

If you want to describe someone or something with curves but avoid overly sensual language, consider using "curvaceous", "full-figured", or "rounded".

Is it appropriate to use "voluptuous" in professional writing?

Generally, it's best to avoid using "voluptuous" in professional or formal writing. Use more neutral terms like "curvaceous" or "full-bodied" if you need to describe something with curves.

What's the difference between "voluptuous" and "curvaceous"?

"Voluptuous" often implies a more overt sensuality and abundance, while "curvaceous" is a more general term that simply refers to having curves without necessarily implying the same level of sensuality.