pulchritude
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What does pulchritude mean? Pulchritude means physical beauty or attractiveness. Pulchritude is a fancy (and outdated) way of talking about how someone or something is good-looking. It’s quite rare and, for that reason, usually used for humorous effect. The adjective form of pulchritude is pulchritudinous, meaning beautiful. Example: The makeup artist kept talking about the pulchritude of my epidermis, which I guess means I have nice skin.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of pulchritude
First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English, from Latin pulchritūdō “beauty,” equivalent to pulchri- (combining form of pulcher “beautiful”) + -tūdō noun suffix; see -tude
Explanation
If someone comments on the pulchritude of your face, you shouldn’t be offended. It may sound like quite the opposite, but pulchritude actually means “beauty.” Pulchritude is one of those words that is more often commented upon for its oddness than actually used in its intended meaning. Many people dislike the sound of this word or are surprised to find that it is a synonym of beauty. These days pulchritude is considered outdated and is usually only used in highly literary writing or, in more common writing, to achieve a witty effect.
Vocabulary lists containing pulchritude
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 8
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The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Why, at this moment celebrating body positivity and diversity, the natural pulchritude of all figures, do women continue to wrap wire around their breasts, hoisting them inches above their innate resting position?
From Washington Post • Mar. 9, 2022
Feminine pulchritude mattered to Balanchine; many of his dancers had the looks of the movie stars or models of their day.
From New York Times • May 31, 2018
Offering an appropriate example of plus-size pulchritude to heavier men, as well as to the fashion industry, required a candidate who seemed relatable, in Bart’s words.
From Seattle Times • May 13, 2016
If you get a little sick of being in the middle of all the documentary evidence of their pulchritude, tell them to toss the selfie stick, and that you’ll be their official photographer.
From Slate • Apr. 27, 2015
"I haven't got the reputation for pulchritude to live up to that you have."
From The Enchanted Canyon by Morrow, Honoré
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
