Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a prominent belly: Describes a person or creature with a large, noticeable, or protruding abdomen. This term is typically used to describe a physical characteristic, often implying a rounded or swollen stomach.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The great bellied man laughed heartily as he told the story. (The man with a prominent belly laughed heartily as he told the story.)
  • In the painting, the great bellied merchant was a symbol of wealth and abundance. (In the painting, the merchant with a large belly was a symbol of wealth and abundance.)
  • The old, great bellied oak tree seemed to bulge at its base. (The old oak tree with a swollen base seemed to bulge.)

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive Use: The term is primarily a descriptive adjective, often found in literary or character descriptions rather than everyday conversation. It can carry neutral, humorous, or sometimes unflattering connotations depending on context.
  • The captain was a great bellied fellow with a voice like thunder. (The captain was a fellow with a large belly and a voice like thunder.)

Variants and Related Words

• Potbellied (adj): Having a potbelly; a more common synonym.
• Corpulent (adj): (Of a person) fat. A more formal term.
• Rotund (adj): Round or plump. Often used euphemistically.

Synonyms

• Potbellied
• Paunchy
• Rotund (when referring to the midsection)

Antonyms

• Slim-waisted
• Flat-bellied
• Slender

Notes on Usage

• Register: "Great bellied" is an archaic or literary compound adjective. In modern English, words like "potbellied" or "paunchy" are more frequently used.
• Connotation: While descriptive, it can be perceived as impolite if used directly to address someone. It is safer for narrative description.
• Form: It is typically hyphenated when used attributively before a noun (e.g., ) and may be written as one word or two words otherwise.

Adjective

1. having a prominent belly