ENGLISH
REFERENCE

monstrous

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmɑnstɹəs// UK //mˈɒnstɹəs// mon·strous Archaic Vulgar

adj. extremely large, ugly, or scary. It can also describe something very cruel or evil.

adj. resembling a monster in appearance or character; exceptionally large or shockingly cruel. Often used to describe physical scale or moral depravity.


SIMPLE

The storm created monstrous waves that crashed against the shore.

CONTEXTUAL

The dictator was eventually removed from power after committing monstrous crimes against his own people.

COMPLEX

The Victorian mansion was a monstrous architectural experiment, combining gothic spires with industrial ironwork in a way that many neighbors found deeply unsettling.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English monstrous, from Old French monstrueuse, monstrüos, from Latin mōnstrōsus. Compare monstruous. By surface analysis, monster + -ous.

Usage

Can be used literally for physical size or figuratively for moral behavior; often follows linking verbs like 'seem' or 'look'.

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