What does physique mean?
Word: Physique
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Physique means the shape of a person's body and how strong or fit it looks.
How do you spell physique?
Syllables: phy - sique
Tricky part: The word ends in an eek sound, but it is written ique. That French-looking close is where most marks are lost.
Watch out for: physik, physeek, physiqu
Memory tip: Unique and boutique close the same way, and neither has a k in it.
Physique in a sentence
Example 1: Regular yoga has given Grandpa a lean physique even in his seventies.
Example 2: The coach looks at speed as well as physique when picking the swimmers.
Example 3: The sculptor captured the runner's slim physique in bronze.
Fun Fact
The word came into English from French in the early 1800s, and it goes back to a Greek word meaning nature.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
Regular rowing on the backwaters gave the young athlete a strong phisique, and her coach soon moved her into the senior crew.
a) rowing
b) athlete
c) phisique
d) coach
Show answer
c) phisique. A y, not an i, follows the opening ph.
Mingle-Mangle
The jumbled word in the sentence hides a real word. Choose it:
The new goalkeeper's tall suqyehip made the small goal look even smaller to the strikers.
a) critique
b) physique
c) technique
d) antique
Show answer
b) physique. Only one option has a p, an h and a y together with an s.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word physique as used in the sentence:
Years of wrestling gave Arvind the powerful physique of a champion.
a) posture
b) stamina
c) uniform
d) build
Show answer
d) build. Physique here is the way his body is made, which is his build.
Spell-o-Spell
Pick out the misspelt word in the list and choose its meaning.
1. noticeable 2. exhilarate 3. labyrith 4. physique
a) to fill someone with joy and excitement
b) easy to see or become aware of
c) a confusing network of paths
d) the shape and look of a person's body
Show answer
c) a confusing network of paths. A missing n spoils this word for a maze.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A coach notices a new player's physique. What is she looking at?
a) how tall and strong the player looks
b) how politely the player greets the team
c) how quickly the player can solve sums
d) how neatly the player has packed the bag
Show answer
a) how tall and strong the player looks
2. Which person is most likely to be praised for a fine physique?
a) a swimmer with broad, strong shoulders
b) a poet with a gentle, thoughtful voice
c) a chef with a keen, careful palate
d) a singer with a clear, sweet tone
Show answer
a) a swimmer with broad, strong shoulders
