plump
B2Neutral, slightly informal when describing people.
Definition
Meaning
(of a person or body part) attractively round and full in shape; moderately fat in a pleasant way.
Also describes making something fuller and softer by shaking or patting (e.g., a cushion). It can also mean to choose or vote for something decisively, or to drop or fall heavily with a full impact.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
When describing a person, 'plump' is generally more positive or neutral than 'fat' and often implies a pleasant, soft roundness. It can be applied to animals, fruit, or cushions. The verb sense related to choosing is somewhat old-fashioned and formal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Similar in core meanings. The verb 'plump for' (to choose) is more common in UK English. US English may use 'plump up' (to make fuller) more frequently for cushions/pillows.
Connotations
In both, generally carries a gentle, somewhat positive connotation for a rounded figure, though context-dependent. In UK English, it can be used more freely in everyday conversation.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English, especially the adjectival use. In US English, alternatives like 'chubby' or 'full-figured' might be used for people, with 'plump' often reserved for objects (pillows) or describing specific features (plump lips).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Adj] + N (plump cheeks)[Verb] plump for + N (plump for the cheaper option)[Verb] plump + N + up (plump up the pillows)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “plump as a partridge (old-fashioned, describing someone nicely rounded)”
- “plump for (to choose decisively)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing for food (e.g., 'plump, juicy raisins').
Academic
Rare, except in specific fields like literature (character description) or biology (describing fruit/seeds).
Everyday
Common for describing people's appearance (often tactfully), food (fruit), and household items (cushions, pillows).
Technical
Not typical.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I think I'll plump for the steak.
- She plumped herself down on the sofa with a sigh.
- He plumped up the cushions before the guests arrived.
American English
- After much debate, we plumped for the blue paint color.
- The sack of grain plumped onto the barn floor.
- Could you plump up the pillows on the couch?
adverb
British English
- The ball landed plump in the middle of the flowerbed.
- He fell plump into the armchair, exhausted.
American English
- The apple dropped plump at my feet.
- She sat down plump in the biggest puddle.
adjective
British English
- She had lovely plump cheeks as a baby.
- The plump sofa was incredibly comfortable.
- We bought some plump, fresh cherries.
American English
- He's a plump, cheerful man in his sixties.
- The turkey was perfectly cooked and plump.
- She admired the model's plump lips.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby has plump hands.
- I like plump pillows.
- These tomatoes are so plump and red.
- She plumped the cushion to make it look nicer.
- After a few months of good food, the rescued puppy became quite plump.
- Unable to decide, he finally plumped for the chocolate cake.
- The critic's plump endorsement secured the film's funding.
- Her prose is plump with vivid imagery and sensual detail.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PLUMP UMPire: a round, full-figured sports official. The 'PL' and 'MP' sounds suggest a soft, round shape.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABUNDANCE IS FULLNESS / ATTRACTIVENESS IS ROUNDNESS (e.g., plump lips are seen as desirable and healthy).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'полный' in all contexts, as 'полный' can also mean 'complete' or 'full' of something. 'Plump' is specifically about shape. For people, 'пухлый' or 'полноватый' are closer, but 'пухлый' can sound more childish.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'plump' to mean simply 'fat' in a negative way. 'Plump' is rarely insulting. Confusing 'plump' (adjective/verb) with 'plum' (the fruit/noun).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'plump' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not usually. It is gentler and often more positive than 'fat'. However, like any word describing appearance, sensitivity to context and the individual is important.
They are very similar. 'Chubby' is often used for babies and children ('chubby cheeks'), while 'plump' can be used for all ages and also for objects (cushions, fruit). 'Plump' may sound slightly more formal or descriptive.
Yes, with three main uses: 1) to make something fuller (plump up pillows), 2) to sit or fall down heavily (plump down on a chair), 3) to choose something decisively (plump for an option).
Yes, but perhaps slightly less frequently for people than in UK English. It is very common for describing food (plump raisins) and for the phrase 'plump up' (pillows).