Meaning of the word ponderous in English

What does ponderous mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

ponderous

US /ˈpɑːn.dɚ.əs/

UK /ˈpɒn.dər.əs/

slow and clumsy because of great weight

Example:

•

The elephant's movements were surprisingly graceful despite its ponderous size.

•

The old machine made a ponderous noise as it started up.

Synonym:

heavy bulky clumsy awkward slow

dull, laborious, or excessively solemn

Example:

•

The speaker's ponderous delivery put half the audience to sleep.

•

He wrote a ponderous academic paper on the subject.

Synonym:

dull boring tedious monotonous solemn

Related Word:

pondering ponder pondered ponderously