Cumbrous

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈkʌm.brəs/

Phonetic: KUM-bruhs

Definitions

• Large, heavy, or difficult to carry or use; unwieldy.
• Slow or complicated and therefore inefficient.

Usage Examples

• The old machinery was cumbrous and difficult to operate.
• His writing style was elegant but often cumbrous with long sentences.
• They struggled to move the cumbrous furniture through the narrow hallway.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "combrous," related to "encumber," originating from Old French "combrer," meaning to hinder or burden.

Synonyms

• Unwieldy
• Bulky
• Clumsy
• Heavy
• Encumbering

Antonyms

• Light
• Manageable
• Streamlined
• Agile
• Efficient

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈkʌm.brəs/
• American English: /ˈkʌm.brəs/
• Australian English: /ˈkʌm.brəs/

Historical Usage

The word "cumbrous" was more commonly used in older English texts but has largely been replaced by "cumbersome" in modern usage.

Cultural Nuances

The term "cumbrous" is often used in literary and formal contexts rather than in everyday speech. It appears in classic literature to describe burdensome objects, systems, or writing styles.

More Information

"Cumbrous" is an older term that is now less frequently used, with "cumbersome" being the preferred alternative in modern English. However, it still appears in literature and legal writing. Historically, "cumbrous" was used to describe both physical weight and metaphorical burden, such as complex bureaucratic processes. Understanding this word helps in interpreting historical texts and expanding vocabulary.