Voluptuous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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voluptuous

[vəˈlʌptjʊəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person's body

Curvy and sexually attractive, with full hips and breasts.

Synonyms

buxom, curvaceous, shapely.

Examples of usage

  • She had a voluptuous figure that turned heads wherever she went.
  • His eyes lingered on her voluptuous curves as she walked by.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a sensory experience

Rich, luxurious, and pleasurable, often related to taste or touch.

Synonyms

luxurious, opulent, sensuous.

Examples of usage

  • The dessert had a voluptuous texture that melted in her mouth.
  • The wine left a voluptuous aftertaste of dark berries and chocolate.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art

  • Renaissance artists often depicted voluptuous figures, reflecting beauty ideals that embraced fuller shapes.
  • Works by artists like Rubens showcased voluptuous women, which were seen as symbols of fertility and wealth.
  • The portrayal of voluptuous forms in art has sparked discussions about body image and societal standards of beauty.

Literature

  • Voluptuous descriptions in literary works often evoke sensuality, enhancing emotional engagement in poetry and prose.
  • Writers like Oscar Wilde utilized the term to characterize lavish lifestyles and indulgent experiences in their narratives.
  • The word often appears in romantic literature to emphasize passion and desire.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that perceptions of voluptuous figures can trigger feelings of attraction and primal instincts.
  • Cultural interpretations of beauty can influence psychological preferences, leading to varied appreciation for voluptuous shapes.
  • The appreciation of voluptuousness can reflect deeper societal values around comfort, happiness, and pleasure.

Fashion

  • In the fashion industry, voluptuous models have gained prominence, challenging traditional beauty standards.
  • Events like Full Figured Fashion Week celebrate voluptuous figures, promoting body positivity and self-acceptance.
  • Designers often create clothing that enhances voluptuous silhouettes, blending comfort with style.

Origin of 'voluptuous'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin word 'voluptas', which means pleasure or sensual delight.
  • In the 15th century, the word came into English to describe richly pleasurable experiences and physical beauty.
  • The evolution of its meaning has shifted over time, often connecting beauty with sensuality.

The word 'voluptuous' comes from the Latin word 'voluptuosus', meaning full of pleasure. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe physical beauty and sensory richness. Over time, 'voluptuous' has come to signify both the attractiveness of a person's body and the luxuriousness of a sensory experience.


See also: voluptuary.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,310, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.