A2adjective2K

Enormous

UK //ɪˈnɔː.məs//US //ɪˈnɔːr.məs//

Definition

Very large in size, quantity, or degree.

In simple words: Very big or large

Examples

  • The enormous mountains were breathtaking.
  • He bought an enormous house in the countryside.
  • An enormous whale swam gracefully through the ocean.
  • She felt an enormous sense of joy at the news.
  • The garden had an enormous variety of flowers.

Usage notes

Use 'enormous' to describe something impressively large. It's commonly used in both spoken and written English, suitable for most contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a giant elephant – elephants are enormous!

Collocations

  • enormous size
  • enormous amount
  • enormous effort
  • enormous challenge

Synonyms

  • huge
  • gigantic
  • vast
  • immense
  • colossal

Antonyms

  • tiny
  • small
  • minute

Common mistakes

  • Using 'enormous' when 'big' would suffice.
  • Confusing 'enormous' with 'immense' - 'immense' is more abstract.
  • Incorrectly using 'enormous' as a noun.