round-backed
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a back that is curved or hunched, typically describing a posture where the shoulders are bent forward and the spine is not straight.
Usage
- The adjective "round-backed" is used to describe a person's (or sometimes an animal's) physical posture or build. It implies a permanent or habitual curvature of the upper back and shoulders.
- It is often used in descriptive writing or medical/observational contexts.
Examples
- The round-backed old man shuffled slowly down the path.
- Years of working at the loom left her round-backed.
- He sat in a round-backed slouch at his desk.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to suggest weariness, burden, or submission.
- The defeated army marched home, round-backed with shame.
Variants and Related Words
- Stooping (adj): Bending the head and shoulders forward and downward. (Often used interchangeably with "round-backed").
- Hunched (adj): Having the back and shoulders rounded.
- Kyphotic (adj): The medical term for an abnormally excessive convex curvature of the spine.
- Round-shouldered (adj): Having shoulders that curve forward, contributing to a round-backed appearance.
Synonyms
- Stooped
- Hunched
- Crooked
- Bent
- Curved
Antonyms
- Erect
- Upright
- Straight-backed
Related Phrases/Idioms
- To be round-shouldered: This is a closely related phrase describing the specific posture that leads to being round-backed.
- He became round-shouldered from years of studying at a low table.
Adjective
- having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect
- a little oldish misshapen stooping woman