Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkɔːp(j)ʊlən(t)s/

Definitions

• The state of being excessively overweight or having an unhealthy accumulation of body fat.
• The quality of being corpulent or having a large, bulky body, especially due to fat.
• In some contexts, it can also refer to a rich or abundant quality in something, though this usage is less common.

Usage Examples

• "The doctor warned the patient about the risks associated with his corpulence."
• "Her corpulence was noticeable after years of an inactive lifestyle and poor diet."
• "Despite his corpulence, he was remarkably agile for his size."

Etymology

From the Latin "corpulentia," meaning "bulk, fullness," which derives from "corpus," meaning "body." The term "corpulence" was first used in the English language in the early 15th century to refer to a state of being overweight or having a large body mass.

Synonyms

• Obesity
• Overweight
• Chubbiness
• Bulkiness
• Portliness

Antonyms

• Leanness
• Slimness
• Thinness
• Scrawniness
• Slim

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, the pronunciation of "corpulence" may be softened, particularly in more informal speech, leading to variations like "corpulence" pronounced as "kor-pyoo-lens" in certain English dialects. In some languages, such as Spanish, the pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable, while in languages like French, the final 'e' is silent, altering the flow of the word.

Historical Usage

The term "corpulence" has been in use for centuries, with roots tracing back to medieval Latin. Initially, it was used to describe the physical characteristic of being full-bodied or large in size, particularly in the context of royalty or the wealthy who were more likely to have access to abundant food. Over time, it became associated with excessive weight and the negative health implications of obesity.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, corpulence has historically been viewed as a sign of wealth and prosperity, as it indicated access to food. In contrast, in modern times, particularly with the rise of health-conscious societies, corpulence is often seen in a negative light and associated with poor health outcomes. However, the perception of corpulence varies, and in some cultures, larger body sizes may still be viewed as a symbol of status or fertility.

More Information

Corpulence, while often used to describe excessive weight, is also a clinical term in the study of body composition. It is frequently used in discussions of obesity, metabolic health, and weight management. Healthcare professionals may use it to describe a condition of excessive body fat accumulation that can lead to various health problems, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Various methods for addressing corpulence include diet changes, exercise, and medical treatments.