Voluminous: meaning, definitions and examples

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voluminous

 

[vəˈluːmɪnəs ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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'.

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 viewers’ eyes toward the artwork’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "voluminous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 volumoso

🇮🇳 विशाल

🇩🇪 voluminös

🇮🇩 bervolume

🇺🇦 об'ємний

🇵🇱 objętościowy

🇯🇵 かさばる

🇫🇷 volumineux

🇪🇸 voluminoso

🇹🇷 hacimli

🇰🇷 부피가 큰

🇸🇦 ضخم

🇨🇿 objemný

🇸🇰 objemný

🇨🇳 多卷的

🇸🇮 obsežen

🇮🇸 rúmmikill

🇰🇿 көлемді

🇬🇪 მოცულობითი

🇦🇿 həcmli

🇲🇽 voluminoso

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.