Ponderous
hardNegative tonePON-der-us
adjective
Definition
slow and labored due to great weight or dullness; clumsy and heavy
Memory hook
PONDEROUS: picture a sumo wrestler trying to PONDER on a PORous bridge — every heavy, lumbering step is slow and labored.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The committee's ponderous deliberations dragged on for months without a decision.”
“His prose was so ponderous that even devoted readers struggled to finish a page.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The committee's ______ deliberations dragged on for months without a decision.”
Show answer
ponderous
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Ponderous is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "cumbersome" or "unwieldy" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "nimble".
Related GRE Words
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
arduous
Requiring great effort; difficult and tiring
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
circumspect
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious
complaisant
Willing to please others; obliging; agreeable
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