Definition

1. 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

1. having broad shoulders
   • big-shouldered and heavy-armed