placid, ponderous, presumptuous, prodigal, prodigious: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 184. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. placid · adjective/ˈplæs.ɪd/

   not easily upset or excited calm and peaceful

   The placid lake reflected the clear blue sky, creating a serene atmosphere for the campers.

   Synonyms: calm, tranquil, serene

   Origin: from Latin 'placidus', meaning 'calm' or 'peaceful'

2. ponderous · adjective/ˈpɑːn.dər.əs/

   slow and clumsy because of great weight

   The ponderous machinery clanked and groaned as it moved slowly across the factory floor.

   Synonyms: heavy, awkward, cumbersome

   Origin: from Latin 'ponderosus', meaning 'heavy, weighty', derived from 'pondus', meaning 'weight'.

3. presumptuous · adjective/prɪˈzʌmp.tʃəs/

   failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate

   It was quite presumptuous of him to assume he could dictate the terms of the meeting without consulting anyone else.

   Synonyms: impertinent, audacious, overconfident

   Origin: from Latin 'praesumptuosus', meaning 'taken for granted, presumptuous', from 'praesumere', meaning 'to take for granted'.

4. prodigal · adjective/ˈprɒdɪɡəl/

   having or giving something on a lavish scale

   The prodigal spending of the company's resources on lavish parties left many employees feeling uneasy about the budget.

   Synonyms: extravagant, lavish, wasteful

   Origin: from Latin 'prodigalis', meaning 'lavish' or 'wasteful', from 'prodigus' meaning 'wasteful, extravagant'.

5. prodigious · adjective/prəˈdɪdʒ.əs/

   remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree

   The scientist made a prodigious discovery that could change our understanding of the universe.

   Synonyms: enormous, extraordinary, massive

   Origin: from Latin 'prodigiosus' meaning 'marvelous or extraordinary', which itself comes from 'prodigium' meaning 'omen or portent'.