Obese: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in medical or formal contexts to describe a person who has a high amount of body fat. Often implies a health concern.

• The doctor informed him that he was obese and needed to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
• Obese individuals have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

A more neutral and less harsh term compared to 'fat', often used in everyday conversation or general descriptions. It may or may not imply a health concern.

• She decided to exercise more because she was slightly overweight.
• Many people struggle with being overweight in today's society.

A straightforward and common term used to describe someone who carries excess body weight. Can be considered impolite or offensive if used to directly describe a person.

• He felt self-conscious about being called fat by his peers.
• The cat became fat because it was overfed.

A more formal or literary term to describe someone who is notably overweight. It can have an old-fashioned or even somewhat humorous tone.

• The corpulent gentleman struggled to fit into the narrow chair.
• Her corpulent figure was a result of years of indulgence.

This term is used in medical or formal contexts to describe someone who is very overweight and it usually implies a serious health condition. It carries a negative connotation.

• The doctors are concerned that he is becoming obese and may develop heart problems.
• Obesity is a growing issue in many developed countries.

This word is used more casually and is often considered affectionate or neutral. It describes someone who is pleasantly overweight, usually in a cute or endearing way. It is often used for children or pets.

• She has such a chubby little baby with the cutest cheeks.
• The chubby cat lazily stretched in the sun.

This word is generally positive or neutral and is used to describe someone who has a full, rounded body shape. It can also apply to objects like fruits.

• She looked vibrant and healthy with her plump figure.
• The plump strawberries were perfect for the pie.

This term is formal and can be descriptive or slightly humorous. It often applies to someone who is round in shape. It can sometimes carry a mild negative connotation or be used in a literary context.

• The rotund gentleman made his way to the buffet table.
• The rotund shape of the planet is visible from space.