ENGLISH
REFERENCE

colossal

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kəˈɫɑsəɫ// UK //kəlˈɒsəl// colos·sal

adj. extremely large or great in size, amount, or power. You use this to describe something that is much bigger than usual.

adj. extremely large in size, extent, or degree. Often used to emphasize the scale of physical structures or the magnitude of abstract concepts like failure or success.


SIMPLE

The museum has a colossal statue at the entrance.

CONTEXTUAL

The project was a colossal failure that cost the company millions of dollars and several years of work.

COMPLEX

The engineering team faced a colossal task in attempting to bridge the canyon, requiring innovative materials that could withstand the immense structural tension.

Synonyms
Origin

From French colossal, formed from Latin colossus, from Ancient Greek κολοσσός (kolossós, “giant statue”).

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; often carries a tone of awe or significant emphasis.

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