# immense

/ˌɪˈmɛns/ (US) · /ɪmˈɛns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/immense
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. extremely large

adjective · CEFR B2

extremely large in size or scale.

For teachers: vast or huge in physical dimensions or scale.

- The ship was so immense that it took several minutes to walk from one end to the other.
- The explorers stood in awe before the immense glacier, which stretched toward the horizon like a frozen sea.

### 2. great in degree

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: extraordinary in degree, intensity, or magnitude.

- She felt an immense sense of relief after she finished her final exam.
- The project required an immense amount of concentration, as even a minor calculation error could compromise the entire structural design.

### 3. excellent

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal · British English

extremely good or impressive.

For teachers: used as a superlative to indicate high quality or excellence.

- The atmosphere at the concert last night was absolutely immense.
- 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'.

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

## Examples

- The project requires an immense amount of work.
- The new stadium is an immense structure that dominates the city's skyline.
- The researchers faced immense pressure to deliver results before the funding cycle ended, leading to several sleepless nights in the laboratory.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.