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Portly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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portly

[ˈpɔːrtli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

description of a person's appearance

Having a stout or overweight figure; chubby or rotund.

Synonyms

chubby, plump, rotund, stout.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
portly

Typically used to describe older men who are large in a dignified or somewhat formal way.

  • He was a portly gentleman with a commanding presence.
  • The portly businessman walked into the room with great confidence.
stout

Describes someone who is heavily built and solid, often implying strength or robustness.

  • The stout wrestler was a force to be reckoned with.
  • She was a stout woman who carried heavy loads with ease.
chubby

Commonly used to describe children or animals that are a bit overweight, in a cute or endearing manner.

  • The chubby baby giggled as she crawled around the room.
  • The chubby puppy tumbled over its own feet.
rotund

Describes a person who is noticeably round and overweight, often in a slightly comedic or exaggerated way.

  • The rotund man struggled to get out of his small car.
  • He had a rotund belly that jiggled when he laughed.
plump

Often used to describe someone who is pleasantly fat, in a healthy and attractive way.

  • She had a plump figure that suited her cheerful personality.
  • The plump fruits looked ripe and delicious.

Examples of usage

  • He was a portly man with a jolly disposition.
  • The portly gentleman struggled to button his coat.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Charles Dickens often used 'portly' to describe jovial characters, emphasizing their friendly and approachable nature.
  • In various literary works, 'portly' is linked to wealthy characters, suggesting status alongside physical description.
  • The term has appeared in many classic novels, reflecting social norms and attitudes towards body image in different eras.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, being portly is seen as a sign of wealth and prosperity, as it may indicate access to abundant food.
  • Conversely, in modern times, there can be negative connotations tied to being portly, associated with health concerns.
  • Advertising and media often depict portly individuals in humorous or unflattering ways, influencing public perception.

Health and Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that people often judge portly individuals based on stereotypes associated with body size, impacting social interactions.
  • Health professionals emphasize that being portly can raise certain health risks, while reminding us that body positivity is important.
  • The body positivity movement encourages acceptance of all body types, including portly figures, promoting well-being.

Pop Culture

  • Portly characters often fill humorous roles in cartoons and movies, providing comic relief and entertainment.
  • In modern media, portrayals of portly characters can challenge stereotypes, showcasing their depth beyond physical attributes.
  • Famous portly figures in entertainment, like Santa Claus, have become symbols of generosity and kindness, rather than just body size.

Origin of 'portly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'portly' comes from the Latin word 'portare', which means 'to carry', hinting at carrying extra weight.
  • It emerged in the early 14th century, originally linked to a dignified or stately appearance.
  • Over time, its meaning shifted more towards a description of physical bulkiness or roundness.

The word 'portly' originated from the Middle English word 'port', meaning 'carry' or 'behave', and the suffix 'ly', which is used to form adjectives. Over time, 'portly' evolved to describe someone who appears to carry weight or behave in a manner associated with a heavier build.

See also: airport, comport, deport, export, passport, port, portability, portable, portal, portend, portent, porter, porters, portion, portrait, viewport.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,638, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.