Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a prominent belly: Describes a person, animal, or figure with a large, protruding stomach or abdomen.

Usage

• The word "big-bellied" is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like 'is' or 'was') to describe the physical characteristic of having a large belly. It is a compound adjective formed from "big" and "bellied."

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • The big-bellied man laughed heartily.
  • A big-bellied stove stood in the corner of the cabin.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • After the feast, everyone felt pleasantly big-bellied.
  • The statue was carved to represent a big-bellied deity.

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive and Figurative Use: While primarily literal, "big-bellied" can be used in a descriptive, sometimes humorous or vivid, way for objects that bulge in the middle.
  • The big-bellied jug held enough water for the whole family.
  • The ship had a big-bellied hull designed for cargo.

Variants and Related Words

• Potbellied (adj): Having a potbelly; a very common synonym for having a protruding abdomen.
• Corpulent (adj): (Formal) Having a large, bulky body; fat.
• Rotund (adj): Rounded in figure; plump.

Synonyms

• Potbellied
• Paunchy
• Portly (often implies a dignified stoutness)

Antonyms

• Flat-bellied
• Slim
• Slender

Notes

• "Big-bellied" is a hyphenated compound adjective. The hyphen is used to link the two words into a single descriptive unit modifying a noun.
• It is generally a neutral or descriptive term, though context determines whether it is used humorously, respectfully, or pejoratively.

Adjective

1. having a prominent belly