Colossal: meaning, definitions and examples

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colossal

 

[kษ™หˆlษ’s(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

size

extremely large; gigantic

Synonyms

enormous, huge, immense, massive, monumental.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
colossal

Used to describe something extremely large, often implying awe or amazement. It can be both positive and negative.

  • "The building's colossal size dominates the skyline
  • " "Making such a colossal mistake can be very costly
  • "
huge

Commonly used to describe something very large in size or amount. This word is versatile and can be used in informal settings.

  • "The concert had a huge crowd
  • " "There was a huge difference in their test scores
  • "
enormous

Appropriate when referring to something very large, often used in everyday situations. It generally does not imply a sense of awe.

  • "The dog was enormous compared to the others
  • " "They have an enormous house in the suburbs
  • "
immense

Used for something vast and often with a sense of scale that can be overwhelming or profound. It can carry a positive connotation.

  • "The ocean looked immense from the shore
  • " "He felt an immense sense of relief
  • "
massive

Refers to something large and heavy, implying solidness or bulk. Can also imply significant impact or importance.

  • "The statue is absolutely massive
  • " "There was massive support for the proposal
  • "
monumental

Describes something of great significance or importance, often large in size. Can carry a formal or grand connotation.

  • "The scientist made a monumental discovery
  • " "The new law represents a monumental change for the country
  • "

Examples of usage

  • The colossal statue of Zeus at Olympia was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • The company faced a colossal challenge in completing the project on time.
  • The colossal iceberg broke off from the glacier and floated into the ocean.
Context #2 | Adjective

impact

having a great effect or influence

Synonyms

extraordinary, momentous, remarkable, significant, substantial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
colossal

Used when describing something extremely large or massive, either physically or in magnitude.

  • The construction of the new bridge was a colossal undertaking.
  • They built a colossal statue to honor their ancient king.
significant

Used to describe something that has important meaning, value, or influence. Often used in scientific, academic, or formal contexts.

  • There has been a significant increase in the company's revenue this year.
  • The discovery was significant for the field of medicine.
momentous

Used for describing an event or decision of great importance or significance, often with a long-term impact.

  • The signing of the peace treaty was a momentous occasion.
  • Graduating from university was a momentous day in her life.
substantial

Describes something large in size, importance, or worth. It often refers to tangible quantities or achievements.

  • He inherited a substantial amount of money from his uncle.
  • The company made substantial investments in new technology.
remarkable

Refers to something that is worthy of attention and is unusually good or impressive.

  • Her performance in the play was simply remarkable.
  • They achieved remarkable results in the experiment.
extraordinary

Appropriate for describing something or someone that is very unusual, remarkable, or beyond what is normal.

  • She has made extraordinary progress in her studies.
  • The artist's extraordinary talent was evident in every piece he created.

Examples of usage

  • The discovery had a colossal impact on the scientific community.
  • The colossal success of the movie led to a sequel being produced.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'colossalis,' meaning giant or huge, which itself is derived from 'colossus.'
  • The term 'colossus' originally referred to the Colossus of Rhodes, a giant statue that stood over 30 meters tall, built in ancient Greece.

Architecture

  • Colossal statues have lined the entrances to many ancient temples, showcasing the power and grandeur of the civilization.
  • The Statue of Liberty, given by France, is often seen as a colossal symbol of freedom and democracy.

Science

  • In paleontology, some dinosaurs are classified as colossal, such as Argentinosaurus, which could reach lengths of over 100 feet.
  • The colossal squid, known as Architeuthis dux, can grow to lengths of up to 43 feet, making it one of the largest invertebrates.

Pop Culture

  • Colossal films often feature enormous creatures or disasters, such as 'Godzilla' or 'King Kong,' emphasizing their massive size.
  • In video games, epic battles against colossal bosses are common, creating thrilling and memorable experiences for players.

Literature

  • In Moby Dick, Herman Melville describes the immense whale as a colossal challenge for the crew, symbolizing manโ€™s struggle against nature.
  • Classical epics, like the Iliad, often feature colossal events or battles that shape the fate of entire civilizations.

Translations

Translations of the word "colossal" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น colossal

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเคถเคพเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช kolossal

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kolosal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะปะพัะฐะปัŒะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kolosalny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅทจๅคงใช (ใใ‚‡ใ ใ„ใช)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท colossal

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ colosal

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท devasa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฑฐ๋Œ€ํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุถุฎู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kolosรกlnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kolosรกlny

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅทจๅคง็š„ (jรนdร  de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kolosalen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ risastรณr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑะดั–ั€ะตั‚ั‚ั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒšแƒแƒกแƒแƒšแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nษ™hษ™ng

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ colosal

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,846, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.