Definition: Heavy and awkward to move or carry; lacking grace or fluency, often making something dull or laborious.

Example: The ponderous book was difficult to carry around all day.

Definition: In a way that is heavy, slow, or awkward, often due to weight or seriousness.

Example: The elephant moved ponderously through the thick mud.

Definition: The state of being heavy, slow, or awkward in movement or thought.

Example: The ponderousness of the lecture made it difficult for the students to stay awake.

Definition: Relating to the pope or the office of the pope; also refers to priests or religious leaders.

Example: The pontific authority of the church was evident in the new decree.

Definition: To speak or express opinions in a way that is considered authoritative or dogmatic, often without considering other viewpoints.

Example: During the meeting, he began to pontificate about the importance of teamwork.

Definition: The position or period during which a religious leader, especially a pope, holds office.

Example: During his pontificate, many important changes were made in the church.

Definition: The act of expressing opinions or judgments in a way that shows you think you are better or more important than others.

Example: His constant pontification about politics made it hard for others to share their views.

Definition: To indicate or predict something that will happen in the future, often something bad or significant.

Example: The darkening skies seemed to portend a heavy rainstorm later in the day.

Definition: A sign or warning that something important or bad is going to happen.

Example: The dark clouds were a portent of the storm to come.

Definition: To assume something is true or to suggest an idea for consideration.

Example: The scientist posits that climate change is accelerating due to human activity.

Definition: A philosophical theory that asserts that knowledge comes only from scientific observation and empirical evidence, rejecting metaphysics and theology.

Example: Positivism emphasizes the importance of observable data in the pursuit of knowledge.