Corpulent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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corpulent

[หˆkษ”หpjสŠlษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person's appearance

Having a large, bulky body; obese; overweight.

Synonyms

chubby, obese, overweight, plump, portly.

Examples of usage

  • He was a corpulent man, struggling to climb the stairs.
  • Despite his corpulent figure, he was surprisingly agile on the dance floor.
  • The corpulent cat lazily slept in the sun.
  • Her corpulent frame made it difficult for her to fit into the small airplane seat.
  • The doctor advised him to lose weight to reduce his corpulent appearance.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Health and Fitness

  • Obesity is defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, often leading to health issues.
  • There's an ongoing societal conversation about body positivity, supporting acceptance of all body types.
  • Diet and exercise can significantly impact health and body composition in individuals classified as corpulent.

Literature

  • The word often appears in classic literature to portray characters with wealth or indulgent lifestyles.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens used descriptions of corpulent characters to reflect society's views on health and beauty.
  • In modern literature, 'corpulent' can also challenge stereotypes, depicting characters as complex beyond their appearance.

Pop Culture

  • Characters in movies are often made corpulent for comedic effect, playing on stereotypes about gluttony or laziness.
  • Famous animated characters, like certain versions of Santa Claus, are depicted as corpulent to evoke a sense of jolliness.
  • Fashion and representation in media are evolving, aiming for diverse portrayals that include corpulent individuals.

Psychology

  • Society's perception of corpulence can impact self-esteem and mental health, often leading to body image issues.
  • Cultural attitudes towards body size vary widely, influencing how corpulent individuals are treated socially.
  • Body shaming can occur due to societal pressures regarding ideal body types, negatively affecting mental well-being.

Origin of 'corpulent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'corpulentus,' meaning 'fat' or 'obese.'
  • Related to the word 'corpus,' which means 'body' in Latin.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 15th century.

The word 'corpulent' originated from the Latin word 'corpus,' meaning body. Over time, it evolved to describe someone with a large or bulky body, often associated with being overweight or obese. The term has been used in English language literature for centuries to depict characters with a heavy or excessive build.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,240, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.