well-built

A well-built man carries a heavy box up the stairs.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Physically strong and sturdy: "well-built" describes a person who has a strong, muscular, and solid physical frame, often suggesting health and robustness.
   • Structurally sound: "well-built" can also refer to an object, such as a building or piece of furniture, that is constructed firmly and durably.

Usage Examples

• Person:

  • The athlete is well-built from years of training. (The athlete has a strong, muscular body due to regular exercise.)
  • He is a well-built man, with broad shoulders and a sturdy frame. (He has a solid, robust physical appearance.)

• Object:

  • This table is well-built and will last for decades. (The table is constructed with strong materials and good craftsmanship.)
  • The house is well-built, with thick walls and a solid foundation. (The house is constructed to be durable and sturdy.)

Advanced Usage

• "well-built" as a compound adjective: Used before a noun to describe a specific quality.
  • A well-built machine requires less maintenance. (A machine that is constructed with care and quality components.)
  • She admired his well-built physique. (She appreciated his strong, fit body.)

Variants and Related Words

• Built (adj): having a particular physical form or structure.
  • He is built like a wrestler. (He has a strong, heavy body type.)
• Well-building (n): the quality of being constructed soundly (rarely used).
  • The well-building of the bridge ensured its safety. (The solid construction of the bridge.)

Synonyms

• Sturdy: strongly and solidly built.
  • The sturdy chair held his weight easily. (The chair was robust and dependable.)
• Robust: strong and healthy; vigorous.
  • He has a robust constitution. (He has a strong, resilient body.)
• Muscular: having well-developed muscles.
  • The muscular athlete lifted the heavy weight. (The athlete had prominent muscles.)

Related Idioms

• Built like a brick house: very strong and solidly built (informal).
  • That quarterback is built like a brick house. (He has an exceptionally strong, muscular body.)
• Solid as a rock: extremely strong and dependable.
  • His frame is as solid as a rock. (His body is very firm and sturdy.)

Antonyms

• Frail: weak and delicate.
  • The frail old man needed assistance walking. (He was thin and physically weak.)
• Flimsy: lacking solidity or strength.
  • The flimsy chair collapsed under the weight. (The chair was poorly constructed and weak.)