enormous
Enormous describes something that is extremely large in size, amount, or degree, far exceeding what is considered normal. It is often used to emphasize the scale or intensity of an object, feeling, or task.
Examples
3 of 5They live in an enormous house with ten bedrooms and a private pool.
They live in an enormous house with ten bedrooms and a private pool.
The committee faced an enormous challenge in restructuring the organization's legal framework.
The committee faced an enormous challenge in restructuring the organization's legal framework.
I have an enormous pile of laundry to finish before the weekend starts.
I have an enormous pile of laundry to finish before the weekend starts.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase 'E-norm-ous' as something that is 'Exiting the Norm'—it is way beyond the normal size.
Quick Quiz
The new stadium is ________, seating over 100,000 people and covering several city blocks.
Correct!
The correct answer is: enormous
Examples
They live in an enormous house with ten bedrooms and a private pool.
everydayThey live in an enormous house with ten bedrooms and a private pool.
The committee faced an enormous challenge in restructuring the organization's legal framework.
formalThe committee faced an enormous challenge in restructuring the organization's legal framework.
I have an enormous pile of laundry to finish before the weekend starts.
informalI have an enormous pile of laundry to finish before the weekend starts.
The study revealed an enormous discrepancy between the two experimental datasets.
academicThe study revealed an enormous discrepancy between the two experimental datasets.
The merger resulted in enormous profits for the shareholders during the first quarter.
businessThe merger resulted in enormous profits for the shareholders during the first quarter.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
an enormous task
an enormous task
enormous appetite
enormous appetite
of enormous importance
of enormous importance
Often Confused With
While enormous refers to size, enormity traditionally refers to extreme wickedness or a grave crime, though it is increasingly used for large size in casual speech.
Usage Notes
Enormous is a non-gradable (extreme) adjective. You should avoid using 'very' with it; instead, use 'absolutely' or 'simply' for emphasis.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use comparative forms like 'more enormous' or 'enormouser', but because it is already an extreme quality, these forms are generally avoided.
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase 'E-norm-ous' as something that is 'Exiting the Norm'—it is way beyond the normal size.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'enormis', which comes from 'e-' (out of) and 'norma' (rule or pattern), literally meaning 'out of rule' or 'irregular'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The new stadium is ________, seating over 100,000 people and covering several city blocks.
Correct!
The correct answer is: enormous
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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