well-set
/'wel'nit/ Cách viết khác : (well-set) /'wel'set/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Strongly and firmly constructed; having a solid, sturdy, or compact build: Used primarily to describe a person's physical build, indicating a body that is solid, muscular, and not easily moved or broken. It implies a balanced and robust physique.
Usage
The adjective "well-set" is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be"). It is a somewhat formal or literary term, often found in descriptive writing. - Attributive use: Describing a noun directly. - He was a well-set man with broad shoulders. - Predicative use: Following a linking verb. - The boxer was short but well-set.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Well-set" can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe something that is solidly established or firmly fixed, though this is less common than its physical application.
- The company's reputation was well-set in the industry.
Variants and Related Words
- Well-knit (adjective): An alternative form with the same meaning, often used interchangeably with "well-set" to describe a sturdy, compact physique or a tightly constructed argument or production.
- The team was composed of well-knit athletes.
- Stocky (adjective): Having a solid, sturdy, and often relatively short build.
- Sturdy (adjective): Strongly and solidly built.
- Robust (adjective): Strong and healthy; vigorous.
Synonyms
- Sturdy
- Stocky
- Robust
- Athletic build
- Compact
- Solidly built
Antonyms
- Frail
- Slender
- Lanky
- Delicate
- Slight
Notes
"Well-set" is a compound adjective formed from the adverb "well" and the past participle "set." It is important to distinguish it from the phrasal verb "set well," which has a different meaning (e.g., "The cement has set well"). The hyphenated form "well-set" is standard when used as an adjective before a noun.
Adjective
- strongly and firmly constructed
- a well-knit argument
- a well-knit theatrical production
- well-knit athletes
- a sailor short but well-set- Alexander Hamilton