big-shouldered
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having broad shoulders: Describes a person whose shoulders are wide or broad in proportion to their body. This physical characteristic is often associated with strength or a sturdy build.
Usage
- The adjective "big-shouldered" is used to describe a person's physical build. It is typically placed before a noun (attributive position) but can also follow a linking verb (predicative position).
- It is a compound adjective formed from "big" and "shouldered."
Examples
- Attributive use (before a noun):
- The big-shouldered linebacker easily pushed through the offensive line.
- He was a big-shouldered man who looked like he could lift a car.
- Predicative use (after a linking verb):
- The new recruit is surprisingly big-shouldered for his height.
- She became more big-shouldered after years of swimming.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to imply bearing a heavy burden or responsibility, though this is less common and often contextual.
- He felt big-shouldered enough to carry the financial worries for his whole family. (Implies he feels physically/figuratively strong enough to handle the burden.)
Variants and Related Words
- Broad-shouldered (adj): A more common synonym with the same meaning.
- The broad-shouldered tailor had to adjust the suit jacket.
- Heavy-shouldered (adj): Can imply broad and strong, or sometimes weighed down.
- Square-shouldered (adj): Often describes a posture where the shoulders are broad and held squarely.
Synonyms
- Broad-shouldered: Having wide shoulders.
- Sturdy: Strongly and solidly built.
- Burly: Large and strong; heavily built.
Antonyms
- Narrow-shouldered: Having shoulders that are not wide.
- Slender: Gracefully thin.
- Slight: Small and thin in build.
Notes
- "Big-shouldered" is a specific physical descriptor. It is not typically used in idioms or as a phrasal verb.
Adjective
- having broad shoulders
- big-shouldered and heavy-armed