Definition

Having a surface that is not smooth, often with raised areas or irregularities that can cause jolts or bumps.

Example

The car ride was uncomfortable because the road was very bumpy.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

How was your trip to the mountains?

It was great, but the road was really bumpy on the way up.

I can imagine! Those country roads can be quite rough sometimes.

Yeah, but the views made it worth the bumpy ride.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bumpy → It is formed from "bump" (of uncertain origin, possibly imitative of the sound) and the suffix "-y" (meaning characterized by). The word "bumpy" describes a surface characterized by bumps or irregularities.

Memory Tip

Think of a surface that has many 'bumps' — the '-y' at the end means it is characterized by those bumps.

Visually Confused Words