What does ponderable mean?
Ponderable is an uncommon formal adjective meaning worthy of serious thought. It describes a question, issue, implication, or other matter whose significance makes it important to consider carefully rather than dismiss or treat casually. In contemporary English, it is most often used in phrases such as “a ponderable question” and “a ponderable issue.” Although related in spelling to ponderous, ponderable does not normally mean heavy or burdensome; its central idea is intellectual significance. The word can sound slightly formal or literary, and choosing it often signals that the speaker regards the subject as deserving sustained attention. It is therefore useful when discussing ethical, political, scientific, or philosophical problems that require careful judgment.
adjectiveWorthy of being pondered; important enough to require serious thought or consideration.
- Worthy of being pondered; important enough to require serious thought or consideration.
"The committee deferred its decision until it had considered the ponderable implications of the proposal."
"The judge recognized the ponderable ethical questions raised by the new technology."
"The report identifies several ponderable challenges that remain unresolved."
Not every question deserves a long think: 'ponderable' identifies the issues that truly demand one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ponderable come from?
Ponderable was formed in the early 19th century from the English verb ponder and the suffix -able, meaning “capable of being” or “worthy of being.” Ponder comes through Old French pondérer from Latin ponderare, a verb based on pondus, meaning “weight.” The same Latin root also underlies words such as ponderous and ponderation, although the modern senses of ponderable focus on thought rather than physical weight.
How ponderable is actually used
Relatively uncommon and formal or literary. It is usually used of questions, issues, matters, or implications, and should not be confused with the more common ponderous, meaning excessively heavy or burdensome.
Easily confused with ponderable
Ponderable means worthy of serious consideration, whereas ponderous usually means excessively heavy or burdensome and can describe a dull, slow-moving thing.
Ponderable is a relatively uncommon formal adjective meaning worthy of consideration, while pensible is chiefly used in the phrase 'a pensible person,' meaning thoughtful.