physique: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “physique” mean?
The form, size, and development of a person's body, especially as it relates to muscularity and appearance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The form, size, and development of a person's body, especially as it relates to muscularity and appearance.
The overall bodily structure or constitution; sometimes extended metaphorically to describe the structural characteristics of inanimate objects (e.g., 'the car's rugged physique').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. 'Physique' is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes an objective assessment of body build, often in contexts of fitness, sports, or health. Slightly more formal than 'build' or 'body type'.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “physique” in a Sentence
have + a + (adjective) + physiquepossess + a + (adjective) + physiquedevelop + a + (adjective) + physiquebe known for + (possessive) + physiqueVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially in marketing for fitness, fashion, or health industries (e.g., 'Our clothing line caters to all physiques.').
Academic
Used in fields like sports science, kinesiology, anthropology, and medicine to discuss body morphology.
Everyday
Common in conversations about fitness, appearance, sports, and health (e.g., discussing an actor's transformation for a role).
Technical
Used in medical, fitness, and anthropological contexts to classify body types (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “physique”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈfɪzɪk/ (like 'physics'). Confusing it with 'physics'. Using it to describe facial features (it refers to the overall body).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally neutral but often used in positive or descriptive contexts related to fitness, strength, and health. It is not typically used to describe an unhealthy or unattractive body.
Primarily for humans. Using it for animals or objects is a metaphorical extension and is less common (e.g., 'the car's rugged physique').
'Physique' focuses on the overall build, structure, and muscularity. 'Figure' often refers more specifically to the shape and proportions, particularly of a woman's body, and carries more connotations of outline and silhouette.
It is neutral-to-formal. In very casual conversation, people might use 'build' or 'body type' instead.
The form, size, and development of a person's body, especially as it relates to muscularity and appearance.
Physique: in British English it is pronounced /fɪˈziːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɪˈziːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Built like a brick house (colloquial synonym for a strong physique)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PHYSIQue' - it's about your PHYSIcal QUality or build.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A STRUCTURE/BUILDING (e.g., 'He has a solid physique,' 'She built an athletic physique.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'physique' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?