gaunt
What does "gaunt" mean?
The word "gaunt" describes a person who looks thin, bony, and haggard, often as a result of suffering, hunger, age, or intense stress. The mental image is one of sharp angles—prominent cheekbones, sunken eyes, and skin pulled tightly over the skeleton—suggesting a lack of vitality or the toll of a hard life. While "thin" is neutral and "slender" is often complimentary, "gaunt" carries a somber or sickly connotation. It is rarely used to describe someone who is simply slim by choice or health; instead, it implies an unhealthy or weary appearance. It is frequently used in literature or journalism to depict someone who has been through a traumatic experience or a long period of deprivation.
"gaunt" in conversation
Checking on a friend
You look a bit gaunt, Mark. Have you been eating properly lately?
You look a bit gaunt, Mark. Have you been eating properly lately?
I’ve just been working double shifts. I’m exhausted.
I’ve just been working double shifts. I’m exhausted.
Used to express concern about someone's unhealthy physical state.
Discussing a character
The protagonist is described as gaunt and pale in the first chapter.
The protagonist is described as gaunt and pale in the first chapter.
That makes sense; he’s been stranded in the wilderness for weeks.
That makes sense; he’s been stranded in the wilderness for weeks.
Commonly used in literary analysis to describe characters suffering from extreme conditions.
"gaunt" in a sentence
The long winter left the villagers looking gaunt and tired.
The long winter left the villagers looking gaunt and tired.
Despite his gaunt appearance, his eyes burned with a fierce, unwavering determination.
Despite his gaunt appearance, his eyes burned with a fierce, unwavering determination.
Years of imprisonment had rendered his once-robust frame gaunt and frail.
Years of imprisonment had rendered his once-robust frame gaunt and frail.
