English Vocabulary in Use Advanced » Unit 64: Weight and density
There are a number of adjectives similar in meaning to heavy. Note their typical contexts.
| 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 |
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]
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]
Many of the words above can be used both literally and metaphorically. More examples:
| 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 |
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