Gigantically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gigantically

[dส’ษชหˆษกรฆntษชkli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of degree

The term 'gigantically' is used to describe something done in an extremely large or immense manner. It adds emphasis to actions or descriptions, indicating that they are not just large, but overwhelmingly so. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, often to convey a sense of exaggerated size or scale. The word can also express astonishment at the magnitude of something, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense.

Synonyms

enormously, hugely, immensely, massively, tremendously.

Examples of usage

  • The building towered gigantically over the cityscape.
  • She smiled gigantically at the surprise party.
  • The waves crashed gigantically against the shore.
  • He moves gigantically, taking up space wherever he goes.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Godzilla' and 'King Kong' often feature gigantic creatures, playing on humanity's fear of things larger than life.
  • In comic books, superheroes often encounter gigantic foes, emphasizing their struggle against overwhelming odds.
  • Children's cartoons frequently play with exaggeration, showing characters like 'Gulliver' in 'Gulliver's Travels' who is enormous compared to tiny people.

Science

  • In biology, some organisms, such as blue whales, can be classified as gigantic, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet.
  • Gigantic stars exist in the universe, with forms like red supergiants being hundreds of times larger than our sun.
  • Some evolutionary processes have led to 'gigantism' in species found on isolated islands, like the gigantoceratops, much bigger than their mainland relatives.

Literature

  • In 'The BFG' by Roald Dahl, the main character is a gigantic friendly giant, showcasing the idea of size being connected to kindness.
  • Characters in fictional worlds like 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' often encounter gigantic beings, creating surreal experiences.
  • Metaphors of 'gigantic tasks' often appear in literature, representing monumental challenges faced by heroes.

Psychology

  • People may perceive tasks as โ€˜giganticโ€™ based on their own levels of self-confidence and previous experiences.
  • Cognitive distortions like 'catastrophizing' can make everyday problems feel gigantic, influencing stress and anxiety.
  • The phenomenon of โ€˜gigantic thinkingโ€™ encourages imaginative solutions and innovation, often employed in creative problem-solving strategies.

Origin of 'gigantically'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Gigantic' comes from the Greek word 'gigantes,' meaning 'giants' or 'huge beings,' which reflect very large sizes.
  • The suffix '-ally' is added to 'gigantic' to create an adverb that describes how something is done, giving it a sense of scale.
  • This term entered the English language in the late 18th century, reflecting Enlightenment fascination with size and nature.

The word 'gigantically' derives from the root 'gigantic', which originates from the Greek word 'gigantes', meaning 'giant'. This term reflects the characteristics of giants in Greek mythology, known for their enormous size and strength. The transition from the Greek term to English occurred through Latin, where it evolved into 'giganticus'. The suffix '-ly' was added to form the adverb, allowing the word to convey not just size but manner, suggesting actions that take place on a grand scale. 'Gigantically' emerged as part of the English language, particularly in the 19th century, as literature began to emphasize grandiosity and exaggeration in descriptive language. Over time, it became a popular adverb in both everyday speech and literary works, encapsulating the essence of something that is impressively vast or considerable in nature. This evolution illustrates how language develops to express complex ideas and emotions, reflecting cultural values and perceptions of size and scale.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,982, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.