Big Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Pop Culture

• In the world of entertainment, phrases like 'Big Bang' and 'Bigfoot' have made their way into popular culture, representing grand concepts or phenomenal creatures.
• The movie 'Big' starring Tom Hanks popularized the theme of growing up and being 'big' in an emotional and humorous light.
• Big-brand companies often leverage the word in slogans, emphasizing their market presence and significance.

Science

• In physics, the term 'big' can refer to objects with extensive mass, such as stars and planets, which are studied for their colossal effects on the universe.
• Ecology uses 'big' to categorize animals like elephants and whales, which play crucial roles in their ecosystems due to their size.
• In psychology, there is even a scale for measuring aspects considered 'big', like the Big Five personality traits, indicating their substantial impact on behavior.

Literature

• In literature, the contrast between 'big' and 'small' is a common thematic device, used to explore ideas of power, existence, or personal journeys.
• Many children's books use characters that are 'big' in size to symbolize strength or kindness, helping to convey messages about acceptance and courage.
• Classic works of fiction, like 'The Little Prince', use the concept of 'big' and 'small' to illustrate perspectives on adulthood and innocence.

Psychology

• Cognitive psychology shows that our brains often perceive 'big' things as more significant, influencing our decision-making processes.
• Research indicates that environments filled with 'big' objects can create a sense of safety or intimidation, depending on context.
• The idea of 'big' is sometimes linked to self-esteem; people may think of themselves as 'big' in confidence or ambition, affecting their personal and professional lives.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'big' originates from the Middle English term 'bigge', which roughly translates to powerful or strong.
• Historically, 'big' has been used since at least the 14th century to describe size, likely influenced by dialects and various languages.
• The term has evolved to encompass not just physical size, but also significance or importance.

The word 'big' has Old English origin, coming from the Proto-Germanic word 'buggis', meaning 'powerful'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage to describe something of considerable size or intensity. 'Big' is a common and versatile word used in various contexts to convey the idea of something large or significant.

See also: bigger, biggest, bigwig.

At #859 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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