portliness

A man of portliness enjoys a peaceful walk in the park.

Definition

Noun: The quality or state of being portly; having a stout or somewhat heavy body, often suggesting dignity or a prosperous appearance.

Usage Examples

• (His stoutness contributed to a dignified presence.)
• (The suit needed alterations due to his heavy build.)

Advanced Usage

• "portliness of bearing": a dignified, stately stoutness.
  • The judge’s portliness of bearing made him seem even more formidable in court. (His stout and dignified appearance increased his authority.)

Variants and Related Words

• Portly (adj): having a stout body; somewhat fat.
  • The portly old man sat comfortably in his armchair. (The stout man was relaxed.)
• Portliness (n): the noun form, as defined above.

Synonyms

• Stoutness: the state of being bulky or thickset.
• Corpulence: the condition of being excessively fat.
• Heaviness: the quality of being heavy in body.

Related Idioms

• "a portly figure": a person with a large, dignified physique.
  • The mayor cut a portly figure at the parade. (He appeared stout and impressive.)