Enormous
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Extremely large in size, quantity, or degree.
- Having a massive scale or impact, often beyond what is typical or expected.
- Great in magnitude or intensity, often used to describe something impressive or overwhelming.
- Very significant, powerful, or vast.
History and Origin
The word “enormous” comes from the Latin enormis, meaning “out of the norm” or “unusual.” The prefix e- means “out of” and normis refers to “rule” or “pattern,” indicating something that deviates from the expected. The term evolved in English in the late 15th century, originally describing something irregular or exceptional. Over time, it came to describe anything of great size or magnitude, regardless of whether it was irregular.
Detailed Explanation
“Enormous” describes something that is exceptionally large, whether in physical size, quantity, or intensity. It is often used to convey a sense of awe or surprise due to the vastness of the subject. This word can apply to both tangible objects, such as a giant mountain or a huge building, and intangible qualities, such as an enormous effort or impact. It often implies something beyond the ordinary or expected, emphasizing how something stands out due to its sheer scale or significance. The term is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to stress magnitude.
Example Sentences
- The elephant was enormous, easily the largest animal at the zoo.
- The company made an enormous profit last quarter.
- They faced an enormous challenge when trying to repair the damaged bridge.
- The building’s enormous windows offered a stunning view of the city.
- The scientist made an enormous discovery that changed the field of medicine.
- The storm caused enormous damage to the coastal area.
- The concert attracted an enormous crowd, far exceeding expectations.
- The team made enormous strides in improving their performance this season.
- The city is home to an enormous shopping mall with hundreds of stores.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Gigantic – Very large, often used to describe something exceptionally big.
- Colossal – Extremely large in size or scale, often used for impressive objects.
- Immense – Unusually large, often emphasizing vastness.
- Tremendous – Used to describe something exceptionally powerful or large.
- Monumental – Very significant in size or impact, often associated with historical importance.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Massive – Having great size or weight, often used for solid or heavy objects.
- Vast – Great in size, extent, or range, often used for open spaces or ideas.
- Imposing – Having a grand or large appearance, often creating an impressive impression.
- Substantial – Large or significant in amount or degree, often used in financial or physical contexts.
- Gargantuan – Extremely large, often used in exaggerated contexts.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Enormity – The extreme scale or significance of something, often in terms of importance or impact.
- Behemoth – A large and powerful entity, often used for creatures or organizations.
- Titanic – Referring to something extraordinarily large or powerful.
- Jumbo – Large in size, commonly used to describe things like food or machinery.
- Supersized – Larger than the typical size, often used in the context of food or products.
Antonyms
- Tiny
- Small
- Minuscule
- Petite
- Trivial