ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tremendous

adj.
US //tɹəˈmɛndəs// UK //tɹəmˈɛndəs// tremen·dous
  1. 1 very large or great (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    extremely large in amount, size, or degree.

    denoting an immense scale or degree of something. Often used to emphasize the magnitude of an effort, amount, or physical size.

    Example

    The project was a success, but it required a tremendous amount of work from everyone.

    Example

    The sudden shift in global trade routes has placed a tremendous strain on the local infrastructure, necessitating immediate government intervention.

  2. 2 excellent or impressive (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    very good or impressive.

    notable for excellence or power; used as a high-register synonym for 'excellent' or 'wonderful'.

    Example

    You did a tremendous job on the presentation today.

    Example

    The soloist gave a tremendous performance, earning a standing ovation from the normally reserved audience.

Origin

Adapted borrowing of Latin tremendus (“fearful, terrible”, gerundive of tremō (“to tremble”)) + -ous. Doublet of tremend.

Word family

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