adj
portly
Portly (adj) means Rather plump or heavily built.
adj
1
Rather plump or heavily built.
"His portly middle section, rising beyond like a small hill, heaved rhythmically."
— P. G. Wodehouse (1913)
"In Heavyweights, Tony Perkis (Ben Stiller) is a fitness guru who installs himself as the über-buff leader of Camp Hope, with the goal of helping portly youngsters shed their saggy stomachs and thunder thighs."
— Nick Carbone, Top 10 Worst Fictional Camp Counselors (2011)
2
Having a stately, impressive appearance or manner.
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Etymology
From an archaic sense of port (“manner in which a person carries himself; bearing; deportment; carriage”) + -ly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for portly
See all rhymes for portly →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of portly?
"portly" (adj) means rather plump or heavily built.
What is another word for portly?
Other words for "portly" include stout.
What is the opposite of portly?
Opposites of "portly" include gaunt, undignified.
What are the different meanings of portly?
"portly" has 2 main meanings: 1. Rather plump or heavily built; 2. Having a stately, impressive appearance or manner.
