Pronunciation: [fɪzˈiːk] (IPA) 
The word "physique" refers to one's body type or physical form. It is spelled as /fɪˈziːk/, with the "ph" being pronounced as /f/. This word comes from the Greek word "phusis," meaning nature or natural form. The correct spelling of this word is important so as not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like "physic" or "physics." Proper spelling is crucial for clear communication and effective writing.
Physique is a noun that refers to the overall build, structure, or appearance of a person's body. It encompasses the physical attributes, proportions, and muscularity, which are considered to be characteristic of an individual's body shape and size.
Someone's physique can be described in various ways, such as athletic, muscular, slim, or stocky. It often pertains to the observable features, including the distribution of body fat, muscle mass, and general physical condition. Factors that contribute to a person's physique include genetics, lifestyle choices, exercise habits, and diet.
The term is commonly used when discussing body image, fitness, or aesthetic qualities of the human body. It is often employed in sports, especially in disciplines where physical appearance and strength are crucial, such as bodybuilding, weightlifting, or modeling. Additionally, the concept of physique can also be discussed in medical and scientific contexts, as researchers may observe and analyze body types to study health conditions, growth patterns, or genetic predisposition to certain diseases.
Overall, the term physique encapsulates the external physical attributes of an individual and serves as a descriptive term to discuss and categorize different body types.
The physical or bodily structure, the "build.".
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The natural constitution or physical structure of a person as it appears to the eye.
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 "physique" comes from the French word "physique", which in turn is derived from the Latin word "physicus" meaning "pertaining to nature" or "natural". It is ultimately derived from the Greek word "physis" meaning "nature" or "natural order". This etymology reflects the concept of physical characteristics and bodily form that are inherent or determined by nature.
