ponderous
/ˈpɒn.dəɹ.əs/
Group 31Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Slow and clumsy because of great weight; dull, laborious, or excessively solemn GRE
Example in Context
The ponderous regulatory apparatus, designed for a different era, could not keep pace with the rapid evolution of digital technology.
Synonyms
heavyslowlabored
Etymology
Heavy and slow, suggesting something that weighs down and feels tedious.
- ponderare (Latin) — to weigh
Memory Aid
🐘Sounds like “ponder-us”
An elephant trying to balance on a seesaw while pondering life's mysteries — it's all so PONDEROUS!
Visual Association
🐘A giant elephant slowly trudging through mud, struggling to lift its feet.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “ponderous” mean on the GRE?
ponderous (adjective) means “Slow and clumsy because of great weight; dull, laborious, or excessively solemn”. The ponderous regulatory apparatus, designed for a different era, could not keep pace with the rapid evolution of digital technology.
How to remember “ponderous” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “ponderous” sounds like “ponder-us”. An elephant trying to balance on a seesaw while pondering life's mysteries — it's all so PONDEROUS!
What are synonyms for “ponderous”?
Common synonyms: heavy, slow, labored.