well-rounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "well-rounded" is a correct and usable English word.
You can use it to describe someone who is neither lacking nor excessively gifted in an area or areas, meaning that they have a broad range of abilities or knowledge. For example, "Alex is a well-rounded student, excelling in both math and language studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"She's so well-rounded.

The Guardian - Sport

Square-jawed and well-rounded.

The New York Times

He's a well-rounded character".

The New York Times - Arts

"He's well-rounded," Irons said.

The New York Times - Sports

He's a very well-rounded player".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a very well-rounded friendship".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"He's well rounded".

The New York Times

All in all, a very well rounded sauce experience.

Vice

Choose a well rounded bar.

WikiHow

Be a well rounded person.

WikiHow

I'm not well rounded.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "well-rounded" to emphasize a balance of skills, interests, and character traits. For example, a "well-rounded" student excels academically and participates in extracurricular activities.

Common error

While "well-rounded" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more specific terms like "multifaceted", "accomplished", or "comprehensive" to provide a clearer and more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-rounded" primarily functions as an adjective, typically used to describe a noun, such as a person, object, or concept. It signifies completeness and balance in terms of skills, qualities, or attributes. Ludwig confirms its adjectival usage, showcasing examples where it modifies entities like "student", "player", or even "friendship".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

23%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well-rounded" is a common and correct adjective used to describe something or someone possessing a balance of qualities, skills, or characteristics. Ludwig's AI confirms this, providing many real-world examples across different domains, from news and media to science and general knowledge. The phrase frequently appears in contexts where the aim is to praise an individual's multifaceted development or a comprehensive approach. While generally safe to use, more formal alternatives like "multifaceted", "comprehensive", or "accomplished" may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. Common related terms include "all-around" and "balanced".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all-around

Similar in meaning, focusing on possessing a variety of skills and qualities.

balanced

Emphasizes equilibrium and equal development across different aspects.

multifaceted

Highlights the many different aspects or dimensions of a person or thing.

versatile

Focuses on adaptability and competence in many different areas.

comprehensive

Indicates thoroughness and completeness in scope or coverage.

well-developed

Emphasizes the extent and quality of growth or advancement.

accomplished

Highlights achievements and proficiency in various domains.

well-educated

Specifically denotes a high level of learning and knowledge.

globally competent

Implies knowledge and understanding of diverse global issues and cultures.

broad-based

Suggests a wide range of interests, skills, or knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "well-rounded" in a sentence?

You can use "well-rounded" to describe a person or thing that has a variety of skills, interests, or qualities. For example, "She is a "well-rounded student" who excels in academics and sports."

What are some synonyms for "well-rounded"?

Alternatives to "well-rounded" include "all-around", "balanced", and "multifaceted". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to be "well-rounded" or specialized?

The ideal approach depends on the context and goals. Being "well-rounded" offers broad competence, while specialization provides deep expertise in a specific area. Both have advantages.

Can "well-rounded" be used to describe objects or only people?

"Well-rounded" can describe both people and objects. For people, it implies a balance of skills and qualities. For objects, it suggests completeness or comprehensiveness. For example, "This is a "well-rounded work" by a well-rounded, if snow-obsessed, writer."