Turgid

Adjective

Definition: Swollen or bloated, especially from excessive fluid or gas.

Definition: Excessively ornate or complex in style, language, or content, typically attempting to sound important or impressive.

Definition: Archaic - Relating to or affected by congestion or excessive blood flow.

Synonyms: Inflated, Swollen, Bombastic, Pompous

Antonyms: Concise, Simple, Plain

Examples:

The turgid river burst its banks after heavy rainfall.
The professor's turgid writing style made the textbook difficult to understand.

Mnemonics:

Think of a bloated balloon (swollen and filled with air), representing something excessive or inflated.
Imagine a person speaking with a pompous and grandiose tone, their words filling the room like turgid air.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late 16th century, from Latin 'turgidus', from 'turgere' meaning "to swell".

Historical Usage:

The term has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe both physical and figurative swelling, as well as excessive language or style.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Turgid prose"

Explanation:

This phrase refers to writing or speech that is excessively inflated, using complex language or elaborate style to impress or sound important.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'turgid' with 'torpid'.

Explanation:

While both words may imply a sense of sluggishness or lack of vitality, 'turgid' specifically focuses on excessiveness, swelling, or complexity, whereas 'torpid' refers more to a lack of energy or activity.