big-bellied
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- having a prominent belly