Bellied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bellied
[ˈbɛl.iˌd ]
Definition
physical description
Bellied refers to having a belly or abdomen that is protruding or distended. It often describes a person or animal whose stomach is noticeably rounded or swollen, implying a certain fullness or weight. The term can also be used metaphorically to indicate that something is not as it appears, exaggerating certain features.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The bellied man struggled to tie his shoelaces.
- The bellied cat lounged lazily in the sun.
- He wore a shirt that hugged his bellied frame.
- Many creatures become bellied after a hearty meal.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In many poetic contexts, 'bellied' can describe ships or animals, creatively depicting their rounded forms to evoke imagery.
- Authors often use it to portray characters or objects in a way that emphasizes their physicality or fullness.
- The term appears in classic literature to describe vulnerability or richness, creating a strong visual connection.
Cultural References
- In various cultures, being 'bellied' is often used in proverbs to describe abundance and prosperity, linking physical shape with wealth.
- The term has been historically used to describe people of wealth who are often perceived as having 'rounded' or full figures due to their lifestyle.
- In art, rounded and 'bellied' forms are often associated with fertility and abundance, seen in various representations through history.
Psychology
- Studies in body image suggest that words like 'bellied' can evoke feelings related to self-esteem and perception of one's body.
- The language used to describe shapes, such as 'bellied,' can influence how individuals view beauty and body standards culturally.
- Expressions of fullness, whether in food or body, can have psychological implications regarding satisfaction and happiness.
Science
- In biology, the term can describe the belly of certain organisms, which often contains vital organs and plays a key role in their function.
- Physical forms in nature often have belly-like shapes for functionality, such as in animals that store food or energy.
- In mechanics, objects may be described as 'bellied' when they have a rounded base for stability, similar to a full belly in humans.
Origin of 'bellied'
Main points about word origin
- 'Bellied' comes from the word 'belly,' which has roots in Old English, meaning the stomach area.
- The word has been used since the 14th century to describe something rounded or swollen, relating to the physical shape.
- In Middle English, the word also had connotations of being 'full' or 'swollen,' especially with food.
The term 'bellied' originates from the Middle English word 'bely', which is derived from the Old English 'bælg', meaning 'bag' or 'sack', often used to refer to the abdomen or belly area of a creature. Over time, the term evolved to describe the physical characteristic of protrusion or fullness, commonly associated with excess body weight or the natural shape of an organism's abdomen. The use of 'bellied' has been documented since at least the 15th century, referring to both humans and animals, often in a humorous or descriptive sense. In literature and everyday speech, it has maintained a focus on physicality, conveying images of roundness or excess.