English Reference
adjective

immense

adj.
US /ˌɪˈmɛns/ UK /ɪmˈɛns/ im·mense

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    extremely large in size or scale.

    vast or huge in physical dimensions or scale.

    Simple

    The ship was so immense that it took several minutes to walk from one end to the other.

    In context

    The explorers stood in awe before the immense glacier, which stretched toward the horizon like a frozen sea.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    very great in amount or power, such as a feeling or a task.

    extraordinary in degree, intensity, or magnitude.

    Simple

    She felt an immense sense of relief after she finished her final exam.

    In context

    The project required an immense amount of concentration, as even a minor calculation error could compromise the entire structural design.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced InformalBritish English

    extremely good or impressive.

    used as a superlative to indicate high quality or excellence.

    Simple

    The atmosphere at the concert last night was absolutely immense.

    In context

    The team put in an immense performance during the second half, securing their place in the championship final.

    Usage

    Often used as a predicative adjective after 'be' or 'feel'.

    Teacher's tip

    This usage is particularly common in British youth slang and informal sports commentary; learners should use it sparingly in professional contexts.

Usage immense talent

Guanipa said on X that each person returning home is “an immense relief” for families who have “suffered too much,” but stressed that releasing some prisoners is not enough.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026

Instead, any assistance her family received has come from "the immense, immense support the community has shown us".

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026

From Middle English immens, inmens, from Old French immense, from Latin immensus, from in- (“not”) + mensus (“measured”). Compare incommensurable.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French immense
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated