pulchritude

American  

[puhl-kri-tood, -tyood] / ˈpʌl krɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

noun

1. physical beauty; comeliness.

   Synonyms:

   allure, beauty

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pulchritude British  

/ ˈpʌlkrɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. formal physical beauty

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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 Pulchritude is a fancy (and outdated) way of talking about how someone or something is good-looking.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

• pulchritudinous adjective

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 These days pulchritude is considered outdated and is usually only used in highly literary writing or, in more common writing, to achieve a witty effect.

Example Sentences

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

The place of beauty in our lives is a profound subject, and Harmon offers a complex understanding that respects the hazardous yet life-enhancing power of physical pulchritude.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2019

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

So I will refrain, in my commentary on “Spy,” from references to the pulchritude of one of McCarthy’s co-stars, Jason Statham.

From New York Times • Jun. 8, 2015

The usual exercises had already begun; there were speeches from Authority; prayers by Divinity; choral effects by graduating pulchritude.

From The Moonlit Way by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)