The spelling of the word "voluptuous" is often tricky for English language learners due to its combination of letters and sounds. Phonetically, it is transcribed as /vəˈlʌp.tʃu.əs/. The "v" sound at the beginning is followed by a schwa sound, then the "l" and "p" sounds blend together. The "-uous" at the end is pronounced as "yoo-uh-s" and the stress falls on the second syllable ("LUP"). Despite its tricky spelling, the word conveys a strong meaning - describing a person with pleasing and full curves.
Voluptuous is an adjective that describes something or someone that is characterized by an emphasis on sensuous pleasure and physical beauty. It can refer to the physical appearance of a person or an object, as well as the experiences or sensations that are evoked by them.
In terms of physical appearance, when describing a person, voluptuous typically refers to someone with a curvaceous or shapely figure, usually highlighting fullness and sensuality. This term implies a certain degree of grace and attractiveness in the person's body, often associated with ample curves and well-defined proportions.
When applied to objects, voluptuous can describe something that has a rounded, smooth, and soft appearance, often suggesting luxuriousness and indulgence. For instance, describing a piece of furniture as being voluptuous may mean that it has a sumptuous and inviting design, conjuring feelings of comfort and opulence.
In a broader sense, voluptuousness can also relate to experiences or sensations that are intensely pleasurable, either physically or emotionally. It can involve the indulgence of the senses, suggesting an intense and hedonistic enjoyment of life's pleasures, such as rich food, beautiful music, or passionate romance.
Overall, the term "voluptuous" is used to convey a sense of allure, attractiveness, and indulgence, whether it be in reference to a person's physical appearance, an object's design, or the nature of certain experiences or sensations.
Given to the enjoyment of luxury and pleasure; indulging to excess in sensual gratifications; producing, or expressive of, the sensuous.
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 voluptuous originated from the Latin term voluptuosus, which is derived from voluptas, meaning pleasure or delight.