adjective
Uncommon
obese
oh-BEES
Obese (adjective) means Very overweight, to a degree that is unhealthy. Example: “The doctor warned him that he was clinically obese and at risk of heart disease.”
adjective
1
Very overweight, to a degree that is unhealthy.
"The doctor warned him that he was clinically obese and at risk of heart disease."
"Rates of obese children have risen sharply in the last decade."
"The vet said the obese cat needed a strict diet and more exercise."
How to use obese
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSeriously overweight, more than just "a bit heavy."
When to use it
A clinical/medical term rather than an everyday casual one — "overweight" or "heavy" sound less harsh in conversation.
Common pairings
clinically obese
obese patient
morbidly obese
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Word forms
- Plural
- obeses
- Comparative
- more obese, obeser
- Superlative
- most obese, obesest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor warned him that he was clinically _____ and at risk of heart disease.
Etymology
From Latin obesus, "having eaten one's way to fatness" — from ob- ("away") + edere ("to eat").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for obese
See all rhymes for obese →Frequently asked questions
What does “obese” mean?
The word “obese” means very overweight, to a degree that is unhealthy. In plain terms, seriously overweight, more than just "a bit heavy.".
How do you pronounce “obese”?
“Obese” is pronounced oh-BEES (/oʊˈbis/ in IPA).
How do you use “obese” in a sentence?
Here is “obese” used in a sentence: “The doctor warned him that he was clinically obese and at risk of heart disease.”
What is the opposite of “obese”?
The opposite of “obese” — its antonyms — are scrawny, thin, emaciated, anorexic and starved.
What part of speech is “obese”?
“Obese” is an adjective.
Where does the word “obese” come from?
The word “obese” comes from Latin. From Latin obesus, "having eaten one's way to fatness" — from ob- ("away") + edere ("to eat").
Is “obese” a common word?
“Obese” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between obese and overweight?
Overweight generally describes carrying more body weight than is considered healthy, while obese describes a more severe degree of excess weight that poses a greater health risk. Obese is a stronger clinical term, whereas overweight can describe a lesser or borderline condition.
Is obese a clinical or medical term?
Yes, obese is commonly used in medical and health contexts to describe a state of being very overweight to a degree that is unhealthy. It is often paired with measurements such as body mass index (BMI) in clinical assessments.
Is it polite to call someone obese?
Obese is a clinical, factual term used mainly in medical and health discussions, but it can sound blunt or insensitive in casual conversation about a specific person. Many people prefer more neutral or sensitive language when discussing an individual's weight outside of a medical setting.
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