portly
UK[ˈpɔːtli]US[ˈpɔːrtli]
adj
(of a man) having a round body; stout or somewhat fat.
adj
(archaic) dignified or imposing in bearing or appearance.
Morpheme Breakdown
port
ly
port
carry, bearing
ly
having the qualities of
Etymology
the word 'portly' originates from the middle english 'portli', which itself derives from the noun 'port' in the sense of 'bearing' or 'carriage' (from old french 'port', from latin 'portus' meaning 'harbor', but influenced by latin 'portāre' 'to carry'). the initial meaning was 'dignified in bearing; stately'. the '-ly' suffix, common in english adjectives, denotes 'having the characteristics of'. over time, the semantic focus shifted from the quality of one's dignified carriage to the physical stature that often accompanied such a bearing in cultural perception, leading to its modern primary meaning describing a stout or corpulent physique, particularly in men.
Analysis
Structure: port (carry, bearing) + ly (having the qualities of)
port: from latin 'portāre', meaning 'to carry'. in this context, it relates to one's bearing or deportment.
ly: from old english '-līc', an adjective-forming suffix meaning 'having the qualities of'.
Examples
the portly gentleman tipped his hat as he passed by.
his portly figure was a familiar and comforting sight in the neighborhood pub.
in the old portrait, the king appears portly and authoritative.