hourglass-shaped
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a shape resembling that of an hourglass: Specifically, this describes an object, figure, or form that is characterized by a narrow middle section with wider sections at the top and bottom, similar to the classic shape of a traditional hourglass timer.
Usage
- This adjective is typically used to describe physical forms, most commonly in contexts like fashion, anatomy, and design. It often carries a positive connotation when describing a human body shape.
- It is usually placed before the noun it modifies (attributive position).
Examples
- Adjective:
- The vase had a beautiful, hourglass-shaped silhouette.
- She has an hourglass-shaped figure, with a narrow waist and fuller hips and bust.
Advanced Usage
- Descriptive Nuance: The term is often used metaphorically or descriptively beyond literal objects, emphasizing symmetry and a cinched center.
- The architect designed an hourglass-shaped tower that narrowed dramatically at its mid-level.
Variants and Related Words
- Hourglass (n): The timekeeping device consisting of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck, through which sand flows.
- The sand in the hourglass was running out.
Synonyms
- Curvaceous (especially for figures): Having an attractively curved shape.
- Figure-eight-shaped: Having a shape resembling the number 8, which is similar but not identical.
- Pinched-in: Describing a narrowed middle section (less common and more literal).
Antonyms
- Straight-shaped: Having a form with little variation in width from top to bottom.
- Columnar: Shaped like a column; straight and cylindrical.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Hourglass figure (n phrase): A common phrase specifically describing a human body shape with a narrow waist and proportionally wider hips and bust.
- The dress was designed to accentuate an hourglass figure.
Adjective
- shaped in the form of an hourglass