What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preponderous
Example
The preponderous elephant made the ground shake with each step. [preponderous: adjective]
Example
The preponderous evidence against the suspect led to a swift conviction. [preponderous: adjective]
ponderous
Example
The ponderous turtle made its way across the road. [ponderous: adjective]
Example
The speaker's ponderous delivery put the audience to sleep. [ponderous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ponderous is more commonly used than preponderous in everyday language. Ponderous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while preponderous is less common and refers to specific situations where something is dominant or overwhelming.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preponderous and ponderous?
Both preponderous and ponderous are formal words that are not commonly used in informal settings. However, preponderous has a more serious and weighty connotation, making it more appropriate for formal or academic writing.