obese - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
obese Word Meanings
- having an excessive amount of body fat
- very overweight
- having a body mass index (BMI) over 30
obese Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
obese Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əʊˈbiːs/
US
/oʊˈbis/
obese Word Etymology
obese = ob- (over) + esus (eating) from Latin. Historical origin: Latin 'obesus' → Old French 'obès' → English. Memory image: Imagine someone with a plate piled high with food, showcasing abundance, hinting at excessive eating habits which lead to obesity.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Obese is a medical and everyday adjective used to describe someone with an excessive amount of body fat. It signals health risks more strongly than simply being overweight and is often tied to the BMI threshold of 30 or higher, though BMI is only a rough guide. In general use, obese can feel stigmatizing, so it should be applied with care and in appropriate contexts such as medical discussions, health education, or formal reporting. The related noun is obesity, and the adjective obese is used to describe people or sometimes animals. Learners should understand when to switch between terms like obese, obesity, and overweight based on tone and setting.
Usage Reminders
- Use obese for clinical or formal discussions only
- Avoid using obese as a casual label
- Remember obesity is a health topic, not a moral judgment
- Obese is an adjective; obesity is the noun
- Differentiate obese from overweight and from other descriptors like fat or heavy
- Be mindful of tone when talking about weight
Common Misconceptions
- It is used for people who simply look chunky, not just fat
- BMI 30 is a hard boundary for everyone regardless of muscle
- Obese and obesity are insults in all contexts
- Supermarket/food deals can cause obesity quickly
- Children cannot be obese
Thinking Differences
For English learners, obese often carries a clinical tone. It pairs with obesity as a medical condition, so beginners should be careful not to use it as an insult in casual talk. Practicing with medical or education-focused materials helps solidify when to deploy it.
Learning Tips
- Practice distinguishing obese from overweight through BMI and contextual cues
- Learn common collocations like obesity treatment and obese child
- Study respectful, clinical phrasing in medical texts
- Watch tone: switch to neutral language in casual talk
- Note pronunciation: o BEE z with stress on the second syllable
- Use examples from health education to reinforce usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'obese'?
A.Average
B.Underweight
C.Overweight
D.Skinny
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'obese' correctly?
A.She is a fantastic dancer.
B.They are going to the beach.
C.The sky is blue.
D.He is an obese man.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'obese'?
A.Lean
B.Slender
C.Thin
D.Chubby
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'obese'?
A.Skinny
B.Plump
C.Obese
D.Husky
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would someone be described as 'obese'?
A.At a fitness competition
B.During a weight loss journey
C.When discussing body types
D.In a medical report
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App