Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

[boh-nee]

Definitions

• Having a prominent or exposed bone structure; thin and lacking flesh.
• Relating to or resembling bones, especially in appearance or texture.
• (Of an animal) having an appearance that emphasizes the bones, often due to malnutrition or skeletal prominence.

Usage Examples

• "The bony hands of the elderly woman were evident as she reached for the book."
• "The bony structure of the dog was noticeable after it had been malnourished for a period of time."
• "He had a bony face with sharp features that gave him a somewhat gaunt appearance."

Etymology

The word "bony" originates from the Old French term "bone," meaning "bone," which itself is derived from the Latin "bona" (plural of "bonum"), referring to something that is good or beneficial, but evolved to relate specifically to bones or bone-like qualities. The word "bony" has been used in English since the late 14th century, describing things that are characteristic of or related to bones.

Synonyms

• Skeleton-like
• Lean
• Gaunt
• Scrawny
• Emaciated

Antonyms

• Fleshy
• Chubby
• Plump
• Fat
• Round

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "bony" is fairly consistent across English-speaking regions, though accents may slightly affect the stress on the syllables. In American English, there might be a slightly more pronounced "o" sound, while in British English, the pronunciation remains similarly clear but with a softer "o" sound.

Historical Usage

The word "bony" has been in use since the 14th century, first appearing in texts to describe the physical attributes of the human body or animals. Its use expanded to describe any object or entity that resembled bones, often referring to thinness or skeletal structures.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, being described as "bony" is often associated with a negative connotation, implying poor health, malnutrition, or unattractiveness. In contrast, some regions may use it to describe people with a slender, sharp-featured appearance as being in a healthy or aesthetically desirable state. In popular culture, "bony" can sometimes be used to describe characters or people with striking or memorable features.

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