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Dumpier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dumpier

[ˈdʌm.pi.ər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical appearance

The term 'dumpier' is a comparative form of the adjective 'dumpy,' which describes something or someone that is short and stout or has a heavy, stocky build. This term is often used in reference to a person's physique or the shape of objects, conveying a sense of plumpness or bulkiness when comparing to another.

Synonyms

chunky, plump, stocky, stout.

Examples of usage

  • He appeared dumpier than his brother.
  • The old vehicle looked dumpier than it used to.
  • She felt dumpier after the holidays due to overeating.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art & Design

  • In design, dumpiness can refer to objects or characters that are cute and round, often appealing in animation and children's books.
  • Artists often use dumpier shapes to convey a sense of security or comfort in their characters, making them more relatable.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, many characters that are designed to be funny or endearing have dumpier features, such as rounded bodies and large proportions.
  • The use of dumpy characters in cartoons often signifies clumsiness or a laid-back personality.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that our brains often perceive dumpier shapes as more trustworthy and good-natured compared to taller, more angular shapes.
  • The human liking for rounder, dumpier objects can be linked to evolutionary factors, as they are often associated with health and warmth.

Fashion

  • In fashion, dumpier silhouettes, like cropped styles, can evoke a sense of playfulness and are often used in children's clothing designs.
  • The trend of oversized and dumpy clothing has gained popularity as it emphasizes comfort and a relaxed aesthetic.

Origin of 'dumpier'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dump' in 'dumpier' relates to something that is heavy or messy, originating from Middle English 'dumpen', meaning to fall or tumble.
  • The suffix '-ier' is used to create a comparative adjective, indicating that something is more of a quality than something else.

The word 'dumpy' originates from early 19th-century English, stemming from the dialectal term 'dumpy' or 'dump,' which referred to something short and heavy or stout. The base 'dump' relates to a disheveled or awkward appearance, which became more commonly associated with a stocky physique. The suffix '-ier' is common in English to form the comparative degree of adjectives, thus creating 'dumpier' to indicate a greater degree of the dumpy quality. Over time, the connotation shifted somewhat, and while retaining its original meaning of shortness and heaviness, 'dumpier' has occasionally been used in more humorous or affectionate contexts to describe people's looks or the shapes of objects.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,381, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.