What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
portliest
Example
The portliest man in the room struggled to fit into the small chair. [portliest: superlative adjective]
Example
She was the portliest person I had ever seen, waddling down the street with great difficulty. [portliest: noun]
rotund
Example
The rotund chef was known for his delicious pastries and desserts. [rotund: adjective]
Example
She had a rotund figure that made her look like a classic pin-up model. [rotund: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rotund is more commonly used than portliest in everyday language. Rotund is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while portliest is less common and may sound old-fashioned or formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between portliest and rotund?
While both words can be used in formal or informal contexts, portliest may sound more formal or archaic due to its less frequent usage in modern English.