ENGLISH
REFERENCE

goliath

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ɡəˈɫaɪəθ// go·liath

n. a person or organization that is very large, powerful, or successful. It is often used when a smaller person or group has to compete against them.

n. a person or entity of enormous size, power, or influence. Frequently used in the context of a 'David and Goliath' scenario to highlight an asymmetrical power dynamic.


SIMPLE

The small local shop is fighting a retail goliath.

CONTEXTUAL

The independent developer struggled to protect its patent against the legal team of the tech goliath.

COMPLEX

In the modern digital economy, a handful of corporate goliaths dominate the market, making it increasingly difficult for innovative startups to gain a significant foothold without being acquired.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Hebrew גָּלְיָת (golyāṯ).

Usage

Often used metaphorically; when referring to the biblical figure, it is capitalized.

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