Immense
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Extremely large or great in size, amount, or degree.
- Vast or enormous, often referring to something that is beyond ordinary measurement.
- Having a great impact or significance.
History and Origin
The word “immense” comes from the Latin immensus, meaning “unmeasurable,” from in- meaning “not” and mensus meaning “measured.” The word was introduced into English in the late 16th century and originally referred to something so vast or large that it could not be measured. Over time, it expanded to describe anything of enormous scale, size, or importance.
Detailed Explanation
“Immense” is used to describe something that is extraordinarily large, whether it be physical size, quantity, or degree. It suggests a scale that is so great it surpasses ordinary expectations or measurements. The term is often applied to natural features such as mountains, oceans, or distances, but can also refer to abstract qualities like influence, significance, or feeling. Immensity can convey both awe and overwhelm due to the magnitude of the subject.
Example Sentences
- The immense size of the Grand Canyon left us in awe.
- The project required immense effort and resources to complete.
- She felt an immense sense of pride after winning the competition.
- The ocean stretched out before us, its immense expanse seemingly endless.
- The city skyline was filled with immense skyscrapers.
- They received immense support from the community during the crisis.
- The teacher praised his immense talent in music.
- The immense heat made it difficult to work outside.
- The book had an immense influence on modern literature.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Enormous – Exceptionally large or vast, often used to describe physical size.
- Vast – Very great in size, extent, or quantity.
- Colossal – Extremely large or massive, often implying something that is almost overwhelming.
- Tremendous – Great in intensity, amount, or scale, often used to describe something awe-inspiring.
- Gigantic – Immensely large, often suggesting something larger than usual.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Boundless – Without limits or boundaries, often referring to an immense expanse.
- Massive – Large in size or amount, often used to describe physical objects or structures.
- Monumental – Of great significance, often referring to something immense in both size and impact.
- Immensity – The quality of being immense; vastness in scale or extent.
- Gigantism – The state of being extraordinarily large, often used in reference to creatures or phenomena.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Tremor – A small, vibrating or shaking movement, though it can also suggest something immense in terms of impact.
- Overwhelming – So large or intense that it is difficult to comprehend or manage.
- Boundless – Without end or limit, often used to describe something immense in scale.
- Unfathomable – Impossible to measure or understand, often implying immense depth or size.
- Infinite – Limitless in extent or size, used in contexts where something seems immeasurably immense.
Antonyms
- Small
- Minuscule
- Tiny
- Limited
- Insignificant