Word
physique
US/fəˈzik/
UK/fɪzˈiːk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the shape and size of a person's body. It usually describes how strong or healthy someone looks.
n. the physical form or constitution of a human body, especially regarding muscular development and proportion.
Examples
“He has a very athletic physique.”
“Years of swimming and weightlifting gave him a powerful physique that stood out in the crowd.”
“The sculptor spent months studying human anatomy to ensure that the marble statue accurately reflected the powerful physique of a classical athlete.”
Examples
simple
“He has a very athletic physique.”
contextual
“Years of swimming and weightlifting gave him a powerful physique that stood out in the crowd.”
complex
“The sculptor spent months studying human anatomy to ensure that the marble statue accurately reflected the powerful physique of a classical athlete.”
Usage
Commonly modified by adjectives like 'athletic', 'powerful', 'slight', or 'lean'.
Real-World Examples
“Xu says it can also be used to describe an attractive physique or body.” “A nthony Chaffee is dressed in a tight gray T-shirt that shows off his muscular physique.” “He was about 16 and had become self-conscious about his physique, fearing that he wasn’t buff enough to attract girls.” Etymology
From French physique.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/physique