For mastery-level learners: literary, precise vocabulary for describing physical appearance, movement, gesture, and sensation in serious prose.
Free Body & Health vocabulary flashcards at the C2 level — all 35 words with definitions and examples. Study them with spaced repetition and use these words precisely, including nuance most learners miss.
Browse the full word list below for free. Sign up to study the set with spaced repetition — Budling schedules reviews so the words you know less well come back sooner.
gait
a person's particular manner of walking
visage
a person's face, especially its shape and expression
pallor
an unhealthy pale colour in someone's skin, often seen during illness
sinew
a tough band of tissue connecting muscle to bone, associated with physical strength
girth
the measurement around the middle of a body
languor
a pleasant heavy feeling of tiredness and unwillingness to move
physique
the size, shape, and muscular development of a person's body
complexion
the natural colour and texture of the skin, especially on the face
stature
a person's natural height when standing
bearing
the way a person stands, moves, and carries their body, often showing confidence
torso
the main part of the body, without the head and limbs
nape
the back part of the neck
brawn
physical strength, especially as opposed to intelligence
silhouette
the dark outline of a shape seen against a brighter background
vigour
physical strength, energy, and good health
paunch
a man's belly that sticks out, especially because he is overweight
jowls
loose folds of skin and flesh hanging below the jaw
stagger
to walk unsteadily, as if about to fall
totter
to walk in a weak, unsteady way, often because of old age
flinch
to make a sudden small movement as an instinctive reaction to pain
wince
to make a brief, pained facial expression in reaction to something unpleasant
writhe
to twist and turn your body violently, usually because of pain
grimace
to twist your face into a sharp expression showing pain
slouch
to stand with your shoulders and head drooping forward lazily
lumber
to move in a slow, heavy, and awkward way
shudder
to shake briefly and strongly, usually from sudden fear
lithe
moving in a smooth, graceful, and flexible way
supple
able to bend and move easily and gracefully, without being stiff
haggard
looking exhausted and unwell, usually from tiredness and worry
gaunt
very thin and bony, often because of prolonged suffering
wizened
small and wrinkled, usually because of old age
spry
full of energy and able to move quickly, especially for someone elderly
willowy
tall, slim, and graceful in movement
statuesque
tall and graceful in a way that resembles a fine statue
portly
somewhat fat, in a way that seems dignified rather than unattractive