Rotund: meaning, definitions and examples

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rotund

 

[roสŠหˆtสŒnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person's body shape

Having a round and plump shape, often used to describe someone who is overweight.

Synonyms

chubby, plump, round.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rotund

Typically used in formal contexts to describe a person or object that is distinctly spherical or rounded in shape.

  • The rotund figure of Santa Claus is easily recognizable.
  • The rotund tomatoes on the vine looked ripe and ready to pick.
plump

Describes someone or something that is pleasantly fat or rounded, often used in a validating or comforting manner.

  • The plump grapes hung heavily on the vine.
  • She admired the plump cushions on the sofa.
chubby

Best used to describe someone, often a child, or an animal that has a healthy, slightly overweight appearance. It has a gentle and somewhat affectionate tone.

  • The chubby cheeks of the baby made everyone want to pinch them.
  • The chubby little puppy waddled across the room.
round

Used to describe an object or shape that is circular or spherical. It can also refer to someone with a rounded body shape but is more neutral than 'chubby' or 'plump'.

  • The round table fit perfectly in the center of the room.
  • He has a round face with soft features.

Examples of usage

  • She had a rotund figure, with a large belly and chubby cheeks.
  • The rotund man struggled to fit into the small chair.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a sound or tone

Having a full and resonant quality, often used to describe a deep and rich sound.

Synonyms

full-bodied, resonant, rich.

Examples of usage

  • The rotund voice of the opera singer filled the concert hall with emotion.
  • The rotund sound of the church bells echoed through the village.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'rotundus', meaning 'round' or 'circular'.
  • It has been used in English since the early 15th century, gaining popularity in descriptions of physical shapes.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters described as rotund often symbolize wealth and indulgence, suggesting a life of comfort.
  • Famous literary figures, like Shakespeareโ€™s Falstaff, are depicted with a rotund physique, emphasizing joviality and mirth.

Psychology

  • Studies show that perceptions of rotundness in characters can create feelings of warmth and friendliness.
  • Shapes that are round, like rotund figures, can evoke a sense of safety and comfort in visual art and design.

Pop Culture

  • Cartoon characters often use rotund shapes to convey humor and lightheartedness, such as Winnie the Pooh and many classic mascots.
  • In movies, actors playing rotund roles are frequently associated with comedic relief or lovable sidekicks.

Science

  • In geometry, the concept of rotundity relates to the study of spheres and circular objects, which have specific mathematical properties.
  • The rotund shape is efficient for certain biological organisms, like jellyfish, as it helps in movement through water.

Translations

Translations of the word "rotund" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น rotundo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅ‹เคฒเคพเค•เคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช rund

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bulat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะบั€ัƒะณะปะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ okrฤ…gล‚y

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ††ๅฝขใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rond

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ redondo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yuvarlak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‘ฅ๊ทผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุณุชุฏูŠุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kulatรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ okrรบhly

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅœ†ๅฝข็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ okrogel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hringlaga

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะพะผะฐะปะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ แƒ’แƒ•แƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yuvarlaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ redondo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,138, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.