Tumulous is a rarely used word with a confusing spelling. Its IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription is /ˈtjuːmjʊləs/, which can help understand the spelling. The 't' and 'm' sounds are clear, but the 'u' in the first syllable is pronounced like 'yoo'. The 'o' in the second syllable is pronounced like 'uh', and the 'u' in the third syllable is pronounced like 'yoo' again. The final 'ous' is easy, pronounced like 'uhs'. Tumulous means swollen, raised or heaped up.
Tumulous is an adjective that typically refers to something tumultuous or turbulent in nature. It is derived from the word "tumult," which means a state of confusion, disorder, or uproar. Tumulous can be used to describe various aspects, including emotions, events, environments, or situations that are characterized by chaos, commotion, or unrest.
When applied to emotions, tumulous conveys a sense of strong and intense feelings, often associated with inner turmoil or upheaval. For instance, one might experience tumulous emotions during a difficult breakup or when faced with a challenging decision.
In relation to events, tumulous suggests a state of disorderly or tumultuous occurrences, typically involving a high degree of chaotic or disruptive activity. It may describe a tumulous riot or protest that involves unruly behavior, clashes with authorities, and general public disturbance.
Furthermore, tumulous can also describe an environment or situation that is characterized by unrest or turbulence. This could refer to a tumulous workplace, where there is constant conflict or unpredictable behavior among colleagues, or a tumulous political climate, marked by frequent upheavals and social unrest.
Overall, tumulous serves as an adjective to describe anything that is tumultuous, chaotic, disruptive, or disorderly. It conveys an image of unrest, commotion, and a lack of stability or calmness in various contexts.
Full of hillocks.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tumulous" is derived from the Latin word "tumulus", which means a small hill or mound. It comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *teuh₂-, meaning "to swell" or "to be bulging". The Latin word was then borrowed into English in the late 16th century, primarily as an adjective to describe something resembling or pertaining to a mound or hill. Over time, it has developed an additional meaning, referring to something disorderly, confused, or tumultuous.