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Lumbered: meaning, definitions and examples

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lumbered

 

[ ˈlʌm.bɚd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

moving heavily

Lumbered is the past tense of the verb 'lumber.' It refers to the action of moving in a slow, heavy, and awkward manner. This can be indicative of someone or something that is large and clumsy. The term often conjures images of a bear lumbering through the woods or a person carrying a heavy load. It can also imply a sense of weariness or fatigue in the manner of movement.

Synonyms

plodded, shuffled, stumbled, trudged

Examples of usage

  • The bear lumbered through the forest.
  • He lumbered up the stairs after a long day.
  • The truck lumbered down the bumpy road.

Etymology

The word 'lumber' originates from the Middle English word 'lumbard' which meant 'to walk heavily or awkwardly.' This term is derived from the Old Norse word 'lumbr,' which translates to 'large or heavy.' The transition of 'lumber' from a noun that originally referred to 'timber' or 'wood for making things' to a verb indicating a clumsy type of movement occurred around the 14th century. The use of 'lumbered' as the past tense became popular in the English language during the 17th century, encapsulating both physical heaviness and the idea of slow, labored activity. Over time, the term has been widely used in both literature and casual conversation, often to depict a sense of bulkiness or sluggishness in movements.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,167, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.