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bellying

bellying

7.6
It curves outward in the middle to form a rounded bulge
  • adjective
  • /ˈbɛliɪŋ/
translation icon : abultado
  • The sails were bellying out in the strong wind, straining against the ropes.

Examples

  • The bellying sides of the barrel indicated it was overfilled.

  • Heavy rain had caused the tent’s canvas to become bellying with pooled water.

  • The bellying sails caught the wind perfectly.

  • I noticed the bellying shape of the balloon.

  • The bellying surface of the water balloon grew as it filled with air.

  • The bellying edges of the inflatable pool highlighted how much it had expanded.

  • A large, bellying stomach signaled that the dog was well-fed.

Synonyms

to bloat
vsbellying
19 4.9

To become swollen because of gas or fluid

refers to a rounded curving swell rather than swelling from internal fluids
to distend
vsbellying
12 8.2

To swell because of pressure inside, for example a stomach or a balloon

is about a curved rounded swell rather than general expansion
to bulge
vsbellying
7 2.9

To swell so that part of something sticks out

focuses on a smooth curved swell rather than any sharp protrusion
to belly
vsbellying
6 7.0

To swell outward and form a rounded bulge from pressure

is more about a general curved swelling without specifying a cause
to bulge out
vsbellying
3 3.7

To stick out in a round shape, like a pocket or balloon

is mainly about a smooth curved swell rather than a simple outward movement
bulging
vsbellying
2 3.6

Sticking out in a rounded shape because something inside pushes

is about curving outward visually without implying internal pressure
to belly out
vsbellying
7.0

To stick out in a round shape, like a jacket or sail in the wind

is more about a curved swell rather than a simple outward protrusion

Antonyms

797 1.0

Level and even without parts higher or lower

5 5.2

Curved inward like the inside of a bowl or spoon

How Rounded

bulging
2 3.6
bellying
7.6
rounded
1 2.4
curved
6 1.0
flat
797 1.0

Surface Forms

bellying positive

Morphology

bellying = belly (transparent) = belly + ing

The adjective is transparently derived from the verb 'belly' plus the participial suffix '-ing', with a straightforward image of bulging outward like a belly.

Etymology

Bellying comes from belly, the part of the body that sticks out. It means 'swelling or curving outward like a belly', so a bellying sail, tent, or barrel is bulging out the way a full belly does.