The word "plump" is spelled with five letters, starting with the consonant "p" and ending with the consonant "p". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /plʌmp/. The "l" and "m" sounds are both pronounced, followed by an "ʌ" vowel sound and a final "p" sound. This word means having a full, rounded shape, typically describing a person's body or a fruit. Proper spelling is important in order to effectively communicate ideas and avoid confusion.
Plump is an adjective that typically describes something or someone as having a round, full, and well-rounded form, often in reference to the body, face, or certain objects. It suggests a pleasing and attractive plumpness, devoid of any negative connotations associated with excess weight. When referring to a person, it usually indicates a healthy and slightly chubby appearance, conveying a sense of vitality and well-being. The term can also be used to describe the overall shape or size of an object, such as plump fruits, plump cushions, or plump pillows, indicating their fullness, softness, or ample filling.
Furthermore, "plump" can be utilized as a verb, meaning to make something or someone fuller or rounder in shape or form. For instance, one might "plump up" a pillow by fluffing it, or "plump out" a piece of clothing to restore its shape. In a figurative sense, it may imply the act of making a selection or decision without hesitation or deliberation, as in "She quickly plumped for the blue dress." Additionally, "plump" can also be employed to describe a sudden or heavy fall on a surface with a thud or a plunk, like the sound made when a stone is dropped into water or when a heavy object lands on the ground.
Overall, whether used as an adjective or verb, "plump" generally denotes a well-rounded, curvaceous, and attractive appearance, or can specify an action or sound related to a sudden and substantial impact.
• Full with substance; round and sleek, with fulness of flesh; round; blunt or downright; unqualified, as a lie.
• To make plump; to swell out; to fatten; to dilate; to let fall suddenly and heavily; to fall suddenly or at once, like a mass of dead matter; to give undivided or in a lump, as a vote to one only, where a vote to each of a selected two could be given.
• With a sudden fall.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "plump" has an interesting etymology. It originated in the late Middle English period around the 14th century from the Old English word "plūm" or "plȳm", which meant "lump" or "mass". This Old English term ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*plūmô".
The sense of "plump" as we understand it today, meaning "round, full, or well-filled", started to emerge in the 15th century. It was likely influenced by the notion of a rounded lump or mass, emphasizing a sense of fullness and thickness.
Over time, "plump" came to be associated with various meanings related to fullness, such as being pleasantly fat, chubby, well-fed, or having well-filled cheeks.