What does obesely mean?
Obesely is a rare adverb meaning “in a manner characterized by excessive fatness” or, figuratively, “excessively” and “grossly.” In its literal sense, it might describe eating in a way that produces extreme weight gain, though such usage is uncommon and can be perceived as insensitive. Its figurative sense is more general and often conveys contempt: to speak or behave obesely is to do so in a bloated, excessive, or coarse manner. The word is related to the adjective obese and the noun obesity, all of which derive from Latin roots associated with fatness or plumpness. Because modern English usually uses obesity, overweight, or other more specific terms instead, obesely is chiefly notable for its blunt, uncommon style. It can be effective in literary or satirical writing when a deliberately exaggerated or critical tone is intended.
adverbIn a manner characterized by excessive fatness; fatly. Figuratively, excessively or grossly.
- In a manner characterized by excessive fatness; fatly.
- Figuratively, in an excessive, gross, or unrefined manner.
"The comic novel describes the politician's rhetoric as a speech delivered obesely and without restraint."
"She ate the rich dessert so obesely that she could barely move afterward."
"His opponents accused him of speaking obesely, using crude exaggeration to overwhelm the discussion."
Obesely is a rare and pointed word: it can describe not only eating in an excessively fattening way, but also rhetoric or conduct that is grossly excessive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obesely come from?
The adverb was formed in English from obese, an adjective borrowed from Latin obesus, meaning “fat” or “plump.” The Latin word is commonly analyzed as combining ob- with edere, “to eat,” reflecting the idea of being well fed or grown fat. The related noun obesity entered English through Latin and became the standard modern term for the condition of being excessively overweight.
Related word forms
How obesely is actually used
This word is uncommon and can sound deliberately blunt or insulting when applied to a person's body or eating habits. Its figurative use is similarly harsh.