How Do You Spell PENDULOUS?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛndjʊləs] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "pendulous" might seem confusing at first, but it can be broken down with the help of phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /ˈpɛndjʊləs/ and the spelling reflects the pronunciation of each sound. The first syllable starts with a 'p' sound followed by an 'e' sound, represented by the letter 'e'. The second syllable is pronounced with a 'y' sound, shown by the letter 'u', followed by an 'u' sound represented by 'u'. The last syllable is pronounced with an 'uh' sound and spelled with 'ous', which indicates that the word is an adjective.

PENDULOUS Meaning and Definition

1. The term "pendulous" is an adjective that describes something that is hanging or swinging freely, often suspended from a point above. It implies the characteristic of having a weighty or elongated nature, causing an object to dangle or droop downward in a curved or swaying motion.

   When used to describe physical objects or structures, "pendulous" refers to their capacity to move with a smooth, rhythmic motion while being suspended. This motion is often a result of gravitational force, causing the object to be loosely attached or hanging down from a higher point. For example, a pendulous chandelier would have multiple hanging crystals that sway gently back and forth, while a pendulous bridge would have cables or supports that allow the structure to flex and sway with the movement of people or vehicles.

   In a figurative sense, "pendulous" can describe a person's posture or demeanor, suggesting a characteristic of being slouched, drooping, or lethargic. It can also be used to describe the state of emotions or thoughts that are wavering or uncertain, appearing to hang in suspension without a definitive course of action or decision. For instance, a pendulous mood may imply a fickle or indecisive state of mind that fluctuates between various emotions or opinions.

   Overall, "pendulous" encompasses the notion of suspension, swinging, or hanging, whether in a physical or metaphorical context, and implies a sense of weightiness, gentle movement, or uncertainty.

2. Hanging freely or loosely.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Hanging; swinging; oscillating; in bot., inclined so that the apex is pointed vertically downwards—applied to ovules that hang from the upper part of the ovary.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PENDULOUS

• pendullum
• pendulium
• pendulems
• emmulous
• oendulous
• lendulous
• -endulous
• pendullous
• pendulus
• pendelous
• Petulous
• perdulos
• Pardulous
• Vennulous
• penduleus
• Pendulis
• Dendologus
• Fandulos
• Pettulous
• Pedeculous

Etymology of PENDULOUS

The word "pendulous" is derived from the Latin word "pendulus", which means "hanging down" or "swinging". It is formed from the root word "pendere", which means "to hang" or "to weigh". The Latin term "pendulus" later influenced the Old French word "pendelous", and eventually, it evolved into "pendulous" in the English language.

Similar spelling words for PENDULOUS

• pennatula,
• pendulum,
• PENDLEY,
• pendelton.