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massive

adj. · n.
US //ˈmæsɪv// UK //mˈæsɪv// mas·sive
  1. 1 very large (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    extremely large in size, amount, or degree.

    exceptionally large in scale, extent, or quantity.

    Example

    The company spent a massive amount of money on the new advertising campaign.

    Example

    The construction of the dam required a massive investment of both capital and labour, spanning over a decade of intensive engineering.
  2. 2 heavy and solid (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having great weight and a solid, strong shape.

    consisting of a large, heavy, and solid structure or mass.

    Example

    The castle was protected by massive stone walls that were three metres thick.

    Example

    The cathedral's roof is supported by massive oak beams, each carved from a single ancient tree trunk to ensure structural integrity.
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  1. 3 severe or widespread (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

    affecting a large part of the body or being very serious.

    affecting a significant area or being particularly severe in intensity.

    Example

    He was rushed to the hospital after suffering a massive heart attack.

    Example

    The patient presented with massive internal bleeding, necessitating an immediate surgical intervention to locate the source of the trauma.
  2. 4 excellent (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Dialect

    very good or impressive.

    denoting exceptional quality or value; used as a positive intensifier.

    Example

    We had a massive time at the concert last night.

    Example

    The local fans thought the performance was absolutely massive, though the critics were somewhat more reserved in their praise.

    Usage

    Common in Irish English and British youth slang.
  3. 5 having mass (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Physics

    having physical weight or mass.

    possessing rest mass; not massless.

    Example

    Scientists study how massive particles move through space.

    Example

    In the standard model of physics, the Higgs boson explains why certain fundamental particles are massive rather than massless.
    • massless
  4. 6 a group of people (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang British English

    a group of people from the same area or with the same interests.

    a collective group of people associated with a specific locality or subculture.

    Example

    The DJ shouted out to the London massive during the set.

    Example

    The festival attracted the jungle massive from across the country, filling the arena with dedicated followers of the genre.

    Usage

    Often used to refer to fans of a specific music genre or residents of a neighbourhood.
Origin

From Middle English massif, from Middle French massif, equivalent to mass + -ive. The Irish sense is possibly derived from Irish mas (“fine, handsome”).

Word family

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