⚠️This fact has been debunked
The claim that only four words end in 'dous' is false. While 'tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous' are the most common, a significant number of other legitimate English words also end with this suffix, many of which are scientific or less commonly used.
There are only four words in the English language which end in “dous”: tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.
The Myth of the Four 'Dous' Words Debunked
For years, a fascinating linguistic tidbit has circulated, claiming that a mere four words in the English language conclude with the unique suffix "dous." These legendary words are often cited as tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous. It's an easily digestible factoid, perfect for cocktail parties or trivia nights, but does it hold up to scrutiny?
While these four words are undeniably the most common and recognizable terms ending in "dous," the assertion that they are the *only* ones is, in fact, a widespread misconception. The English language, with its vast vocabulary and intricate derivations, rarely confines itself to such rigid rules.
Beyond the Famous Four: A Douse of Reality
A deeper dive into dictionaries and linguistic databases quickly reveals a much longer list of "dous" words. Many of these terms might not be part of everyday conversation, but they are legitimate entries in the lexicon. Here are just a few examples that challenge the popular myth:
- Amadous: Refers to something made of amadou, a spongy material derived from fungi, often used as tinder.
- Apodous: Describes an organism lacking feet or foot-like appendages, common in zoological contexts.
- Iodous: Pertaining to or containing iodine in a specific chemical state.
- Jeopardous: An older form of "jeopardous," meaning perilous or dangerous, though now less commonly used than its root word, jeopardy.
- Nonhazardous: The straightforward opposite of hazardous, indicating something that poses no risk.
- Ultrahazardous: Taking "hazardous" to an extreme, describing something exceptionally dangerous.
- Molybdous: Relating to or containing molybdenum.
- Palladous: Referring to palladium, particularly in a chemical context.
- Decapodous: Possessing ten feet or limbs, often used for crustaceans.
- Uropodous: Having uropods, which are specialized swimming appendages in some crustaceans.
This expanded list demonstrates that the English language is far richer and more complex than the initial fact suggests. The initial four words are simply the most prominent members of a larger linguistic family.
Why Does This Myth Persist?
The persistence of the "four 'dous' words" myth is understandable. The four most common words are quite distinct and frequently used, making them easy to remember. Many other "dous" words are highly technical, scientific, or simply archaic, meaning they aren't encountered in general English use. This leads to the impression that they don't exist.
Furthermore, such linguistic "facts" often gain traction through viral sharing and repetition without thorough verification. Once an idea becomes widely accepted, it can be challenging to correct, even in the face of contrary evidence.
The "-ous" Suffix: A Hint at History
The suffix "-ous" itself is a common adjectival ending in English, often derived from Latin or Greek, signifying "full of," "possessing," or "of the nature of." Words like "glamorous," "spacious," and "humorous" all share this ending. The specific "dous" combination is simply a consequence of the preceding root word's spelling, not a unique linguistic anomaly that severely limits its occurrences.
So, the next time you hear someone confidently declare there are only four words ending in "dous," you'll be armed with the truth. While tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous are indeed magnificent words, they are far from being alone in their distinctive ending.