How Do You Spell PONDEROUS?

Pronunciation: [pˈɒndəɹəs] (IPA)

Ponderous, spelled /ˈpɑːndərəs/, is an adjective used to describe something that is heavy, clumsy or difficult to move. It is often used to describe physical objects or things that are metaphorically cumbersome or burdensome. The word is derived from the Latin word "ponderosus," meaning "weighty" or "heavy," which is reflected in its spelling. The "o" in the first syllable is pronounced like the "aw" sound in "law," and the stress is on the second syllable.

PONDEROUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Ponderous is an adjective that refers to something that is heavy, massive, or weighty in nature. It implies a substantial and cumbersome presence that may require great effort or strength to move or handle. When describing physical objects, ponderous conveys a sense of grandeur or size, suggesting a lack of agility or nimbleness.

    Additionally, ponderous is used to describe something that is slow, laborious or tedious in movement, action, or thought. It denotes a sluggishness or a slowness in the way something progresses, often implying a lack of lightness, grace, or efficiency. This can be applied to both physical actions or mental processes, suggesting a deep consideration or a profound reflection that takes time to complete.

    In a figurative sense, ponderous may describe a style, language, or expression that is overly formal, cumbersome, or lacking liveliness. It suggests an excess of words, unnecessary complexity, or a lack of conciseness, making communication or comprehension more difficult.

    Overall, ponderous denotes a quality of being weighty, slow-moving, burdensome, or ponderous in nature. Whether pertaining to physical objects, actions, thoughts, or language, it conveys a heaviness or lack of agility, requiring more effort, time, or understanding to handle or comprehend.

  2. Weighty; massive.

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

Common Misspellings for PONDEROUS

Etymology of PONDEROUS

The word "ponderous" originated from the Latin word "ponderosus", which means "heavy in weight". It is derived from the Latin verb "pondus", meaning "weight". In English, "ponderous" first appeared in the late 16th century with the same meaning of "weighed down" or "burdened". Over time, it has come to describe anything that is excessively heavy, slow, or cumbersome, either physically or metaphorically.

Similar spelling words for PONDEROUS

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