a ponderous speech (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Adjective + Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ə ˈpɒndərəs spiːtʃ/

Meaning and Usage

The phrase "a ponderous speech" refers to a speech that is heavy, weighty, or excessively dull and tedious, often in terms of style or delivery. The adjective "ponderous" implies a sense of seriousness that can be burdensome, making the speech difficult to engage with. This phrase is used in both written and oral contexts, though it may be more frequently encountered in written critiques or analyses of speeches, literature, and rhetoric.

Frequency of Use

The term is not extremely common in everyday conversation but may be used in formal discussions, literary critiques, and commentary regarding public speaking.

Example Sentences

1. A ponderous speech filled with jargon left the audience yawning.
   Una conferencia pesada llena de jerga dejó al público bostezando.

2. The politician's ponderous speech failed to resonate with the younger crowd.
   El discurso pesado del político no resonó con el público joven.

3. He delivered a ponderous speech that, despite its important message, put many to sleep.
   Él pronunció un discurso pesado que, a pesar de su importante mensaje, dejó a muchos dormidos.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "ponderous" may not frequently form part of idiomatic expressions, but it often conveys a sense of heaviness or seriousness in various contexts. Here are a few phrases using "ponderous":

1. To bear a ponderous burden - meaning to carry a heavy emotional or physical load.
   Llevar una carga pesada significa cargar un peso emocional o físico.

2. Ponderous as a ship - refers to being clumsy or slow-moving, akin to a heavy vessel.
   Pesado como un barco significa ser torpe o moverse lentamente, similar a un barco pesado.

3. Ponderous in thought - describes someone who thinks deeply but may take time to express ideas.
   Pesado en el pensamiento significa que alguien piensa profundamente pero puede tardar en expresar ideas.

Etymology

The word "ponderous" originates from the Latin word "ponderosus," which means "heavy," derived from "pondo," meaning "weight." The term has evolved in English to describe not only physical weight but also metaphorical weight in terms of mood and complexity.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: cumbersome, weighty, labored, heavy, dull
Antonyms: light, lively, airy, buoyant, engaging