Definition of Portly

The word "portly" is an adjective applied to someone who is large of size. What exactly large means can be translated a few different ways.

Synonyms

• "Stout" is one of the more popular synonyms for portly. That means it could be applied to people who are physically and/or mentally strong. Synonymous spin-offs include "sturdy" and "vigorous."

Euphemism

• Portly is also often used as a euphemism for "fat." Thus, portly may be used as a substitution for a word that most people find offensive. Portly can also be used to mean "corpulent," "rotund" or "beefy."

Clinical Terms

• Portly can also be used to describe an individual who is obese or overweight---clinical terms to describe someone with more body fat than is necessary.

Other Options

• There are other words that can be used in place of portly, such as "ample" and "plump."

Archaic Use

• There is a use of the word portly that has nothing to do with a person's weight. In distant times, it was used to describe people of esteemed presence, meaning "stately," "impressive" or "dignified." However, that application is no longer in use.