YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME
Pulchritude
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UNDERSTAND THE WORD
Meaning in plain English
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Pronunciation
Pulchritude/ˈpʌlkrɪtjuːd/
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See the meaning
A beautiful face
Physical attractiveness
SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Examples in context
Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.
- The garden’s pulchritude was breathtaking, with blooms in every color imaginable.
- Her pulchritude was matched only by her kindness.
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Quick word quiz
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Complete the example using the word from this lesson.
The garden’s ________ was breathtaking, with blooms in every color imaginable.
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Pulchritude — Physical beauty or attractiveness.
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Write one sentence using “Pulchritude” about your own life.
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Physical beauty or attractiveness.
Compare: The garden’s pulchritude was breathtaking, with blooms in every color imaginable.
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Pulchritude is a noun, not an adjective
Pulchritude refers to physical beauty. It is rare and formal and can sound deliberately ornate or humorous. Beauty is usually clearer in everyday speech. Do not use pulchritude as though it meant beautiful; its related adjective is pulchritudinous, which is also uncommon.
In context: The old portrait’s pulchritude was praised in the exhibition catalogue.
Try it: Revise “The portrait is pulchritude” using a familiar adjective.
Check the explanation
The portrait is beautiful. Alternatively, use the noun in the portrait’s beauty. Choose the form that fits the sentence.
Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Pulchritude.
Word origin
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