embonpoint

C2 Topic:Describing People
US /ɑ̃.bɔ̃ˈpwɛ̃/ UK /ɑ̃.bɔ̃ˈpwɛ̃/
noun adj Freq #1186685

Meanings

  1. 1
    noun

    a rounded or plump bodily figure, especially one regarded as pleasantly full

    The portrait gives the duke a dignified embonpoint.

  2. 2
    adj

    plump or full in figure

    The tailor adjusted the coat for his embonpoint customer.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 noun · a rounded or plump bodily... plumpnessstoutnessroundness
2 adj · plump or full in figure plumpstoutportly
More corpulence
Opposites
leannessgauntness
Word family
Related forms plumpportlyrotund

Etymology

Borrowed in the seventeenth century from French embonpoint, from the phrase en bon point, literally "in good condition" (en + bon + point). That favorable phrase explains why the English word traditionally suggests a well-fed, pleasing fullness rather than merely excess weight.

Topics

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