physique
UK/fi'zi:k/US
IELTSB1
Definitions
n.
The form, size, and muscular development of a person's body; bodily build
体格，体形，体魄
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedBorrowed from French, where physique means 'physical / bodily.' English took it as a noun for the natural form of a person's body — their build. Same physic root as physical, but it points only at the body's shape, not at matter or science.
Root physic still carries 8 more wordsUsage Guide
- Pronunciation trap: physique sounds like /fɪˈziːk/ ('fi-ZEEK'), ending like 'antique' — not like 'physic.'
- Body shape only: use it for build (athletic physique), not for health or strength in general.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Years of swimming gave him a lean, athletic physique.
- 2.
The role demanded a powerful physique, so he trained for months.