rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryponderousHeavy and slow
adjective

ponderous

PON-der-us/ˈpɑːndərəs/

Heavy and slow or awkward in movement.

The movers take ponderous steps as they carry the bulky armchair.

Two movers advance in short, awkward steps while carrying a bulky, heavy armchair, making their progress visibly ponderous.
Etymology
ponderLatinweight
+ousLatinfull of

The pieces convey being full of weight. Ponderous developed from physical heaviness and the clumsiness it causes to a figurative heaviness of style that can feel tedious.

In context

Nature's Moments165:03
Slow and ponderous, with each step leaving deep impressions in the clay bank, it emerges from the water.
The Most Dangerous Predators of Africa | FULL EPISODE | Wildlife Documentary

More examples

  • The loaded truck makes a ponderous turn onto the highway.
  • The elephant crosses the clearing with a ponderous gait.
  • His ponderous speech puts half the audience to sleep.

Forms

ponderous

ponderously adverb — In a heavy, slow, or awkward manner.

ponderousness noun — The quality of being heavy and slow.

Similar words

lumbering
Emphasizes slow, awkward movement rather than weight or style.
cumbersome
Emphasizes difficulty handling something because of its size or weight.
heavy
Describes weight without necessarily implying slow or awkward movement.