The word "burly" is spelled with five letters: b-u-r-l-y. The first sound is the consonant sound /b/, followed by the vowel sound /ʌ/ (similar to the "u" in "butter"). Next comes the consonant sound /r/, which is pronounced with a slight roll of the tongue. The fourth sound is the vowel sound /l/, which is made by pressing the tip of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. Finally, the word ends with the consonant sound /i/ (pronounced like the "y" in "worry"). "Burly" is commonly used to describe a strong and muscular physique.
Burly is an adjective that describes someone or something as being physically strong, large, and heavily built. It is often used to refer to individuals, particularly men, who have a robust and powerful appearance.
When describing a person as burly, it implies that they possess a combination of strength, muscularity, and a menacing or imposing presence. A burly individual typically has a bulky frame and a thickset build, suggesting great physical power and capability.
While the term is commonly associated with physical attributes, it can also refer to objects or creatures that exhibit strength or robustness. For instance, a burly piece of machinery implies that it is sturdy, durable, and capable of handling heavy loads or tasks.
The word carries connotations of both power and intimidation, suggesting that a burly person or thing can cause fear or instill a sense of respect due to their sheer physical presence. However, it does not necessarily imply aggression or violence; instead, it underscores the potential for these qualities.
In summary, burly refers to an individual or object that is notably strong, well-built, and powerful. The term often elicits images of muscularity, size, and an imposing demeanor.
Big and fresh-looking; stout and jolly; big and blustering.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "burly" originated from the Middle English word "borli", which was derived from the Old English word "byrlic", meaning "strong, stout, mighty". It is believed to have come from the Old High German word "burali", meaning "large", or from the Old Norse word "burligr", meaning "respected, famous". Over time, "burly" has maintained its meaning of strength, size, or physical prowess.