The word "cumbrous" represents a challenge to spell due to its unusual arrangement of letters. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced ˈkʌmbrəs, which breaks down to the sounds: /k/ /ʌ/ /m/ /b/ /r/ /ə/ /s/. The word is often misspelled as "cumbersome," which is a more commonly used term. However, cumbrous is distinct in meaning, referring to something that is heavy or difficult to manage. Despite its spelling, cumbrous remains a useful word in describing weighty or cumbersome objects.
Cumbrous is an adjective that describes something that is bulky, heavy, or difficult to manage or handle. It is often used to convey a sense of inconvenience or unwieldiness in regards to physical objects, actions, or situations.
In terms of physical objects, cumbrous refers to something that is large or cumbersome to carry or move. It suggests that an object is unwieldy, awkwardly shaped, or requires a significant amount of effort to transport. For example, a cumbrous piece of furniture might be difficult to navigate through narrow hallways or doorways.
In the context of actions or activities, cumbrous implies that they are laborious, burdensome, or imposing difficulties on the individual performing them. A cumbrous task may involve intricate or complicated steps, making it time-consuming or mentally and physically demanding.
Beyond physical objects and actions, cumbrous can also describe situations or systems that are excessively complicated or burdensome to deal with. This could refer to bureaucratic processes, convoluted regulations, or outdated technologies that hinder efficiency and require excessive effort to navigate or manage.
Overall, the word cumbrous encapsulates the idea of something being weighty, unwieldy, or not easily handled, whether in a physical, functional, or situational sense. Often used in slightly formal or literary contexts, it conveys an air of inconvenience and suggests the presence of challenges or obstacles that may require extra effort or attention to overcome.
Troublesome; burdensome; unwieldy; not easily borne.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cumbrous" originates from the Old English word "cymbric", which means burdensome or troublesome. It was derived from the Old Norse word "kumbr", meaning sorrow or affliction. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved to become "cumbrous" in modern English.