What does "valetudinarian" mean?
A person in poor health or sickly, especially one who is constantly obsessed with their state of health
Valetudinarian
/ˌvæ.ləˌtuː.dɪˈnɛə.ɹi.ən/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person in poor health or sickly, especially one who is constantly obsessed with their state of health
- Grammar: valetudinarian is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: alcoholic, alternating personality, antisocial personality, apoplectic.
- Usage evidence: The virtue which the world wants is a healthful virtue, not a valetudinarian virtue.
How to use "valetudinarian"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "valetudinarian" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "valetudinarian" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "valetudinarian" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person in poor health or sickly, especially one who is constantly obsessed with their state of health
"The most uninformed mind, with a healthy body, is happier than the wisest valetudinarian."
- 2 weak or sickly person especially one morbidly concerned with his or her health wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Sickly, infirm, of ailing health.
"The virtue which the world wants is a healthful virtue, not a valetudinarian virtue."
- 2 Being overly worried about one's health.
"True Madam there are Valetudinarians in Reputation as well as constitution—who being conscious of their weak Part, avoid the least breath of air, and supply their want of Stamina by care and circumspection—"
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to or characteristic of a person who is a valetudinarian wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The virtue which the world wants is a healthful virtue, not a valetudinarian virtue."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "valetudinarian"?
Common synonyms include: alcoholic, alternating personality, antisocial personality, apoplectic, arthritic, cachectic.
How do you use "valetudinarian" in a sentence?
The virtue which the world wants is a healthful virtue, not a valetudinarian virtue.
How do you pronounce "valetudinarian"?
Pronounced /ˌvæ.ləˌtuː.dɪˈnɛə.ɹi.ən/.
Etymology
From valetudinary + -an, from Latin valētūdinārius, from valētūdō (“state of health, health, ill health”), from valeō (“to be strong or well”). By surface analysis, valetude + -in- + -arian.