physique

physique — noun

1. a person's overall body build, especially how slim, broad, strong, or slight the

1.nounC1
Definition

a person's overall body build, especially how slim, broad, strong, or slight they look.

Example

Years of swimming gave Elena a strong, balanced physique.

collocation: strong physique

The trainer measured Ben's physique before the boxing season began.

pattern: measure someone's physique

Common collocations
  • strong physique
  • lean physique
  • powerful physique
  • athletic physique
  • develop a good physique
Synonyms
  • build

    the closest everyday word, often used for body size and strength

  • figure

    often emphasizes visible shape and is common in fashion or appearance contexts

  • frame

    focuses more on basic body structure, especially width and bones

  • body

    much broader and does not specifically focus on build or shape

Grammar Patterns

have a [adjective] physique

develop a stronger physique

lose one's physique

Usage Note

Often used in writing about sport, exercise, or appearance, and it sounds more formal than body or build. It usually describes a person's whole shape rather than one body part.

Common Mistakes

Regular exercise improved his physics.
Regular exercise improved his physique.
'physics' is the science subject; 'physique' means body build.
The swimmer has a powerful physical.
The swimmer has a powerful physique.
'physical' is usually an adjective, not this noun.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Physique, build, figure, frame, and body can all relate to how a person looks physically, but they do not focus on exactly the same thing. Physique is the most formal and usually suggests a person's overall body shape and strength, especially in sport, health, or appearance writing. Build is more everyday and often points to how solid, heavy, or slim someone is. Figure commonly emphasizes visible shape, especially in fashion or when talking about attractiveness. Frame focuses on the basic structure of the body, such as width or bone size. Body is the broadest word and does not specifically highlight build. A boxer may have a powerful physique, a farmer a solid build, and a dancer a slim figure.

build ↗figure ↗frame ↗body ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • athletic physique
  • lean physique
  • strong physique
  • slight physique

Phrases

  • have a good physique
  • develop a stronger physique
  • lose one's physique

Prepositions

  • with a ... physique
  • physique of

Etymology

GreekFrenchEnglish

Physique came into English from French, where it referred to the body or a person's physical nature. Its deeper root is Greek physis, meaning nature or growth. In modern English, the word has narrowed and usually points to a person's body build and outward physical form.