Colossal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'colossal'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'colossal' comes from the Latin word 'colossus', which means 'gigantic statue'. It has been used in English since the 18th century to describe something of immense size or impact. The term is often associated with monumental structures or events that leave a lasting impression on people. From the ancient colossus statues to modern colossal constructions, the word has evolved to represent anything of extraordinary scale or significance.


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.