gigantic
- 01 B1 Intermediate
extremely large or huge, much bigger than normal.
of extraordinary size, magnitude, or power; exceeding the typical dimensions of its kind.
Simple“The ship looked gigantic as it sailed into the small harbour.”
In context“The construction of the gigantic skyscraper required innovative engineering techniques to withstand the high-altitude wind pressures.”
UsageOften used to emphasize the scale of physical objects or natural features.
- 02 C1 Advanced
very good, exciting, or impressive.
denoting excellence or high quality; used as a superlative of approval.
Simple“We had a gigantic time at the concert last night.”
In context“The party was absolutely gigantic, with music and dancing that lasted until the early hours of the morning.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is somewhat dated; modern speakers are more likely to use 'awesome' or 'massive' in a similar way.
From Ancient Greek γιγαντικός (gigantikós), ultimately from γίγας (gígas, “giant”). According to the Poly-Olbion project coined by Michael Drayton in 1612.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.