turgid
What does "turgid" mean?
At its most literal level, turgid describes something that is swollen, distended, or bloated, often due to fluid retention. Imagine a plant stem that has soaked up so much water it is stiff and ready to burst, or a vein that is bulging under the skin. In a more figurative and common sense, the word describes language or writing that is overly pompous, grandiloquent, or "puffy." Just as a swollen object is difficult to move, turgid prose is difficult to read because it is filled with unnecessary, high-sounding words that obscure the actual meaning.
"turgid" in conversation
Critiquing a student's essay
Your introduction is rather turgid, don't you think?
Your introduction is rather turgid, don't you think?
I thought using more complex words would make it sound more academic.
I thought using more complex words would make it sound more academic.
Used here to describe writing that is overly dense and pretentious.
Medical observation
The tissue around the incision appears turgid.
The tissue around the incision appears turgid.
I'll monitor it for signs of further inflammation.
I'll monitor it for signs of further inflammation.
Used in its literal, biological sense regarding swelling.
"turgid" in a sentence
The river became turgid after the heavy rainfall.
The river became turgid after the heavy rainfall.
The author's turgid style made the novel a chore to finish.
The author's turgid style made the novel a chore to finish.
He avoided the turgid rhetoric of his political rivals in favor of plain, direct speech.
He avoided the turgid rhetoric of his political rivals in favor of plain, direct speech.
