portly men

Meanings

1. 1phraseplural

   Men who are rather heavy and round in the body, especially older men who look well fed.

   Grammar: A plural noun phrase: it takes a plural verb, as in "Portly men were standing at the bar." For one person, say "a portly man."

   Patterns

   • a portly man
   • portly men in their sixties

   Two portly men in dark suits were waiting by the door.

   The photograph shows a group of portly men in old-fashioned hats.

   He had grown into one of those portly men who always seem to be smiling.

2. 2phrasepluralhumorous

   Used, often humorously, about men who look comfortable, prosperous, and a little overweight.

   Grammar: The phrase often carries a mildly approving or amused tone, so it can sound like a gentle compliment rather than criticism.

   Patterns

   • portly men of a certain age
   • the portly men of the club

   The portly men of the golf club gathered every Sunday morning.

   In the cartoon, portly men in bow ties run the whole town.

Word forms

Common combinations

a portly gentleman

A portly gentleman offered us his seat on the train.

portly figure

A portly figure appeared at the top of the stairs.

grow portly

He had grown portly since his playing days.

portly and bald

The mayor was portly and bald, and everyone knew him.

rather portly

Her uncle was rather portly but very light on his feet.

Synonyms and how they differ

stout

"Stout" also means heavy and solid, but it suggests strength and broadness rather than a soft, well-fed look.

plump

"Plump" is softer and can describe women and children too, while "portly" is mostly used of older men.

heavyset

"Heavyset" is more neutral and factual, used for any strong, wide body, without the old-fashioned politeness of "portly."

Opposites

Word family

portliness noun

the state of being heavy and round in the body

Commonly confused: portly men or portable?

Practice

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