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Weight and density A
Synonyms for heavy There are a number of adjectives similar in meaning to heavy. Note their typical contexts.
B
adjective
typical contexts
example
weighty
abstract and physical things; usually includes the idea of ‘seriousness’
a weighty tome [large book] discuss weighty issues
unwieldy
abstract and physical things; usually includes the idea of ‘difficult to handle’
unwieldy system/bureaucracy an unwieldy object, e.g. a big box
cumbersome
often used for machines and equipment that are difficult to handle; also used for systems, structures, etc.
a cumbersome weapon a cumbersome process
burdensome
usually used of abstract things
a burdensome duty
ponderous
slow and clumsy because of weight, but usually used for dull and excessively serious abstract things
a ponderous style, e.g. way of writing or speaking a ponderous thesis
lumbering
usually used of physical things; often suggesting ‘heavy movement’
a lumbering truck a lumbering bear
Phrasal verbs with weigh I hate being weighed down with heavy suitcases when I travel. [carrying very heavy things] She looked tired and weighed down with problems. We’ll have to weigh up the alternatives before deciding. [consider and compare] She weighed out a kilo of nuts and put them in a bag. [weighed a quantity of loose goods] I have to confess something to you. It’s been weighing on me for ages. [troubling my mind] The discussion was getting heated, and then Kate weighed in with some uncomfortable financial arguments. [added more points to the argument]
C
Making things more/less dense You can put some flour in to thicken the soup, but you should sift it first, or it will go lumpy. [make thicker] [shake it in a sieve to separate the grains] [have solid pieces in it] The soup has been in the fridge so long it’s all congealed. [become thick and solid] This curry powder is years old. It has completely solidified in the packet. [become solid] Do you have some white spirit? I need to thin this paint. [make thinner] As the rush hour ended, the traffic began to thin out. [become less dense] The hairdresser thinned my hair out and it feels much lighter now. [made it less thick] This fruit juice is very strong. Let’s dilute it / water it down a bit. [add water]
D
Adjectives connected with density Many of the words above can be used both literally and metaphorically. More examples:
134
word
meaning
literal use
metaphorical use
impenetrable
impossible to move through
an impenetrable jungle/ forest
impenetrable jargon
impervious (to)
liquid cannot pass through
an impervious material, e.g. glass
a person who is impervious to criticism
English Vocabulary in Use Advanced
