muscular
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
relating to the muscles in your body.
relating to or affecting the muscles of the body.
Simple“He suffered from a muscular injury after lifting heavy boxes all day.”
In context“The patient was diagnosed with a rare muscular disorder that affected his ability to walk long distances without assistance.”
UsageOften used in medical or biological contexts.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
having large, strong, and well-developed muscles.
possessing well-developed muscles; physically strong and brawny.
Simple“The athlete had a very muscular build from years of weightlifting.”
In context“The gymnast's muscular frame was a testament to the rigorous daily training schedule she had maintained since childhood.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
describing something that is powerful, direct, and effective.
characterised by vigour, robustness, or forceful expression; often used to describe policies or styles.
Simple“The government took a muscular approach to solving the economic crisis.”
In context“The critic praised the author's muscular prose, noting how the direct language heightened the emotional impact of the final chapters.”
UsageCommonly used in political or literary criticism to describe a firm or powerful style.
Late 17th century; from muscle (Latin mūsculus) + -ar. Compare French musculaire.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.