well-rounded person

USAGE SUMMARY

"well-rounded person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is knowledgeable in many different areas. For example, "Rae is a well-rounded person; she's a skilled artist, a knowledgeable scientist, and an active volunteer in her community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

'Ron is much more of a well-rounded person than you'd think,' she says.

The Guardian

"The Japanese believe athletics and/or fitness are equally important to becoming a well-rounded person.

The New York Times

"We're very simpatico and she's a smart, considerate, well-rounded person.

The Guardian

"Employers should want a well-rounded person working for them who has a happy and balanced life".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hamlet, in other words, is a well-rounded person; to kill Claudius, he has to narrow himself into a kind of action hero.

The New Yorker

"I'm a well-rounded person," he said, "who is interested in the community, interested in family, interested in sports, interested in the arts, interested in restaurants".

The New York Times - Magazine

In a personal statement for geography, tutors look for enthusiasm for the subject, experience and things that demonstrate you are a well-rounded person.

The Guardian

The "well-rounded" person would actually be the well-balanced one: a finite amount of ability split equally among seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching.

The New York Times - Arts

The latter is more about projecting a certain image – whether that's about appearing professional, approachable or even as a well-rounded person.

The Guardian

"You make choices in your career, and teaching is something I believe every well-rounded person in the arts should do," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Here was a hip hop song that actually made me a wiser, more compassionate, and well rounded person.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "well-rounded person", be specific about the qualities and experiences that contribute to this well-roundedness. For example, mention their involvement in different activities, their diverse skill set, or their broad range of interests.

Common error

Avoid using "well-rounded person" as a generic compliment without providing concrete examples. This can make your description seem superficial and lacking in depth. Always illustrate the specific attributes that make the person well-rounded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-rounded person" functions as a compound adjective modifying the noun "person". It describes someone who possesses a variety of skills, interests, and experiences, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

17%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "well-rounded person" is a common and generally positive descriptor, used to describe an individual with a diverse range of skills, interests, and experiences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, but also sees considerable use in wikis and other general contexts. While using the phrase, remember to provide specific examples to support your claim that someone is "well-rounded", making your description more meaningful and impactful. Synonyms like "versatile individual" or "multifaceted person" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Well-developed person

Focuses on the holistic growth and maturity of an individual.

Versatile individual

Focuses on the ability to adapt and excel in various situations and roles.

Multifaceted person

Highlights the many different aspects and qualities that make up a person.

Balanced individual

Emphasizes the equilibrium and harmony in a person's life and character.

Accomplished person

Stresses the achievements and successes in various fields.

Cultured individual

Highlights the person's knowledge and appreciation of arts, humanities, and social graces.

Broad-minded person

Focuses on the person's open-mindedness and acceptance of different ideas and perspectives.

All-rounder

A more informal term emphasizing competence in various areas.

Renaissance person

Implies a wide range of knowledge and skills in both artistic and intellectual pursuits.

Jack-of-all-trades

Suggests competence in many areas, though perhaps lacking deep expertise.

FAQs

How can I describe the qualities of a "well-rounded person" in a resume?

Instead of just stating that you are a "well-rounded person", provide specific examples of your skills, experiences, and interests that demonstrate your versatility and adaptability. Highlight your involvement in diverse activities, such as volunteering, sports, arts, or leadership roles.

What are some synonyms for "well-rounded person" that I can use in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "versatile individual", "multifaceted person", or "balanced individual" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it better to be a specialist or a "well-rounded person" in today's job market?

The ideal approach depends on the specific role and industry. While specialization can be valuable in certain fields, being a "well-rounded person" can offer broader adaptability and problem-solving skills that are highly valued in many organizations. Many employers look for a mix of both specialized knowledge and diverse skill sets.

How does having diverse interests contribute to becoming a "well-rounded person"?

Engaging in a variety of interests can broaden your perspective, enhance your creativity, and improve your ability to connect with others. It also allows you to develop a wider range of skills and knowledge, making you a more adaptable and resourceful individual.