Cumbersome vs. awkward?

[Nicole]

Hi, when do we use cumbersome and when awkward? I mean is there a hugh difference between those two words are they more or less the same? I know that a sentence, for example, can be awkward, but can also be cumbersome? Is awkward more for intantible things and awkward for tangible things. And while we are at it, what is the difference between intangible and abstract?
Thanks a lot!
Nicole
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Life is for living.

[Mister Micawber]

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Cumbersome I would reserve for things that are both awkward and heavy. From OneLook Dictionary Search:

Quick definitions (cumbersome)

1. difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight (Example: "A cumbersome piece of machinery")
2. not elegant or graceful in expression (Example: "His cumbersome writing style")

Quick definitions (awkward)

1. difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape (Example: "An awkward bundle to carry")
2. not elegant or graceful in expression (Example: "An awkward prose style")
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Conchita]