Definition

Describing something that is swollen or bloated, often due to excess fluid, or writing that is overly complicated and difficult to understand.

Example

The turgid language in the novel made it hard to enjoy the story.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you read that new book?

I started it, but the writing is so turgid that I struggled to keep going.

Yeah, I felt the same way; it seemed overly complicated for no reason.

Exactly! Sometimes simpler is better for storytelling.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Turgid → It is derived from the Latin root "turgere" (meaning to swell or be swollen). The word "turgid" describes something that is swollen or distended, often used in a figurative sense to refer to language that is pompous or inflated.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'swollen' ('turgere') — that's why turgid means something that is swollen or inflated.

Visually Confused Words