Voluminous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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voluminous

[vษ™หˆluหmษชnษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing something

Having great volume, fullness, size, or number. Extensive in range or scope. Large in size; bulky.

Synonyms

ample, bulky, extensive, large, spacious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voluminous

Describes something that is very large or contains a lot of material. Often used for objects or text.

  • She wore a voluminous dress for the party
  • The library has a voluminous collection of books
large

A general term for something of bigger size or quantity. Applicable to various contexts.

  • They live in a large house
  • The dessert was served in a large portion
extensive

Describes something large in size, amount, or scope. Often used for coverage or studies.

  • The park has extensive walking trails
  • They conducted an extensive survey to gather data
bulky

Refers to something large and heavy, often awkward to carry or handle.

  • The bulky package was difficult to move
  • She found the old TV too bulky to keep in her small apartment
ample

Indicates more than enough or plenty of something. Can refer to space, time, or resources.

  • There is ample room for everyone in the car
  • We have ample evidence to support our theory
spacious

Indicates a lot of space or room, often used for interiors or environments.

  • The apartment is very spacious and bright
  • They enjoy hosting parties in their spacious backyard

Examples of usage

  • The professor gave us a voluminous assignment that will take weeks to complete.
  • Her voluminous hair cascaded down her back.
  • The library had a voluminous collection of rare books.
  • The author's voluminous research on the topic was evident in the detailed footnotes.
  • Despite its voluminous packaging, the product was surprisingly lightweight.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literary contexts, 'voluminous' is often used to describe extensive or lengthy works, such as epic novels that require much time to read.
  • Famous authors like Leo Tolstoy have been noted for their voluminous writing; his book 'War and Peace' is monumental in size.
  • The term may also describe rich descriptions in writing that cover substantial topics in detail.

Fashion

  • In fashion, voluminous garments, like oversized dresses or wide-legged trousers, have become trendy, often symbolizing comfort and freedom of movement.
  • Haute couture designers frequently explore voluminous shapes, using layers of fabric to create dramatic silhouettes.
  • The trend reflects a shift from fitted clothing to styles that prioritize comfort and individuality.

Science

  • In physics, the concept of volume describes the amount of space an object occupies, linked to the word in terms of mass and density.
  • In fluid dynamics, understanding the voluminous flow of liquids can help in everything from designing pipelines to predicting weather patterns.
  • Voluminous materials, such as foams or feathers, are studied for their unique properties in insulation and cushioning.

Art

  • In art, voluminous forms can create a sense of depth and movement, drawing viewersโ€™ eyes toward the artworkโ€™s dimensions and space.
  • Sculptors often work with voluminous designs to convey fluidity or energy, making the forms appear alive.
  • Classic paintings might use voluminous drapery to add richness and texture, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Origin of 'voluminous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'volumen', meaning 'roll' or 'scroll', referring to a scroll of paper which can be large and thick.
  • It entered the English language in the 14th century, originally used to describe manuscripts and large books.
  • The suffix '-ous' indicates 'full of', so 'voluminous' literally means 'full of rolls'.

The word 'voluminous' originates from the Latin word 'voluminosus', meaning 'full of wind or air'. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe something with great volume or size. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to represent large, extensive, or bulky objects.


See also: volumes.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,535, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.