muscular
/ˈmʌskjələ(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmʌskjələr/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmə-skyə-lər/ (ame, mw)
muscular — adjective
- muscularpositive
- more muscularcomparative
- most muscularsuperlative
1. involving or affecting the body's muscle tissue — used especially when talking a
involving or affecting the body's muscle tissue — used especially when talking about how muscles work, feel, or become injured
João had muscular pain in his lower back after lifting heavy boxes all day.
collocation: muscular pain
The doctor explained that the muscular tissue around Naoko's knee needed time to heal.
collocation: muscular tissue
Regular stretching before exercise helps prevent muscular injuries in athletes of all ages.
Asher's muscular system works harder in cold weather because the body needs more energy.
A muscular contraction in Dahlia's calf forced her to stop running during the race.
文法句型
muscular + noun
be + muscular
用法筆記
Frequently found in medical, fitness, and biology writing. Common noun partners include pain, injury, tissue, system, and fatigue. Distinguish from sense 2 — this sense describes an anatomical relationship to muscles, not a person's physique or build.
常見錯誤
2. having a body with strong, clearly visible muscles, usually because of regular e
having a body with strong, clearly visible muscles, usually because of regular exercise or physical work
After three years of weight training, Dario's shoulders and arms became noticeably more muscular.
become + muscular with visible result
The magazine cover showed a muscular young woman lifting a barbell above her head.
attributive: muscular + person
Marco has a muscular build even though he rarely goes to the gym.
Noor looked at her muscular reflection in the mirror and felt proud of her progress.
The muscular doorman stood quietly at the entrance, his arms folded across his broad chest.
- brawny
emphasises large, bulky muscles; slightly informal and suggests heaviness
- well-built
broader and more neutral; can describe an attractive physique without being extremely large
- burly
big and strong with a thick, heavy body; often used for large men
- sinewy
lean with visible strong muscles, but not bulky
文法句型
muscular + noun
be + muscular
look + muscular
become + muscular
用法筆記
Typically describes a person's physical appearance. Can also refer to animals (a muscular horse) or body parts (muscular arms). Frequently used with become, look, or grow to show change. Distinguish from sense 1 — 'muscular pain' is about muscles anatomically, not about having big muscles.
常見錯誤
3. forceful and confident in style — describing speeches, writing, policies, or per
forceful and confident in style — describing speeches, writing, policies, or personal qualities that show strength and determination
The politician delivered a muscular speech that won applause from both supporters and undecided voters.
collocation: muscular speech
The novel is praised for its muscular prose — direct, energetic, and free of unnecessary words.
collocation: muscular prose
Imran argued with a muscular logic that left the committee with little room to disagree.
The company took a muscular approach to negotiating the deal, pushing hard for better terms.
Anna's writing style is muscular and direct — every sentence carries weight and purpose.
- forceful
more common and neutral; works in the same contexts without the figurative stretch
- vigorous
energetic and lively; slightly less about forcefulness and more about vitality
- powerful
broader in meaning; can describe writing, arguments, or performances
- robust
strong and healthy in character or style; suggests resilience rather than aggression
文法句型
muscular + noun
用法筆記
Entirely figurative — does not describe physical strength. Typically modifies abstract nouns: speech, prose, style, approach, logic, policy, or character. Most common in literary criticism, political commentary, and business writing. Less common than senses 1 and 2.