Lump: meaning, definitions and examples

The term 'lump' can also be used metaphorically to describe something heavy or awkward that has no regular shape.

• Mix the dough until it forms a lump.
• He handed me an odd lump of clay to sculpt.

'Swelling' refers to an enlargement or puffiness in a part of the body, often due to injury, infection, or inflammation.

• The swelling on her ankle was due to a sprain.
• After the bee sting, his arm showed significant swelling.

'Tumor' refers to an abnormal growth of tissue which could be benign or malignant. The word has a more serious and medical connotation.

• The doctors discovered a tumor on his liver during the check-up.
• Her family was worried about the possibility of the tumor being cancerous.

A 'bump' is usually used to describe a raised area on the skin caused by a physical impact, like hitting an object or minor trauma.

• He got a bump on his forehead after hitting the door.
• There's a bump on the road that you need to avoid.

This word is used to describe a small, compact mass of something, often solid. It's common in both literal and metaphorical senses.

• She found a lump in her soup and lost her appetite.
• There's a lump of coal in the fireplace.

This phrase is used when referring to someone who is awkward or often has accidents due to a lack of coordination.

• She's such a clumsy person; she spilled coffee on her shirt again.
• The clumsy person tripped over the rug.

This is a very negative word, used to insult someone, implying that they are extremely stupid or lacking in intelligence. It is not polite and can be offensive.

• You're an idiot for believing that rumor.
• Only an idiot would leave their keys in the car.

This term is usually used to describe someone who is slow in understanding or lacking intellectual acuity. It has a negative connotation.

• He's such a dullard, he couldn't grasp the simple concept.
• Only a dullard would ignore such clear evidence.

In context of movement, it can describe clumsy, heavy, or awkward motion, often with a feeling of dragging or difficulty.

• He had to lump the heavy box up the stairs.
• She lumped her tired body into bed after a long day.

Describes dragging the feet along the ground in an unsteady way. It can suggest tiredness, reluctance, or old age.

• He shuffled into the room, clearly exhausted.
• The old man shuffled down the street with his walking stick.

Used to describe slow, heavy, and often laborious movement. It often implies perseverance despite difficulty or tiredness.

• The tired worker plodded through the field.
• After hours of hiking, they plodded back to their campsite.

Refers to tripping or losing balance while walking or running. It can also describe someone having difficulty in progressing through an action or task.

• She stumbled over a rock and almost fell.
• He stumbled through his speech, clearly nervous.