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Monstrous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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monstrous

[หˆmษ’nstrษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

description

extremely large or powerful; intimidating in size, appearance, or nature

Synonyms

enormous, gigantic, huge, massive, terrifying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
monstrous

Used for something that is extremely large and also frightening or ugly, often carrying a negative connotation.

  • The monstrous creature emerged from the shadows.
  • The building's monstrous size was intimidating.
enormous

Used to describe something very large in size, amount, or degree. It is neutral and can be used in various contexts.

  • She inherited an enormous mansion.
  • The project required an enormous amount of time.
gigantic

Used to emphasize something that is extremely large in a more dramatic or impressive way.

  • The gigantic statue towered over the city.
  • He received a gigantic bonus for his work.
huge

Used for something very large in size or amount. It is less formal but widely used in everyday conversation.

  • They bought a huge TV for their living room.
  • The company experienced a huge increase in sales.
massive

Used to describe something that is very large, solid, and heavy. It often conveys a sense of weight or substantiality.

  • A massive boulder blocked the path.
  • The athlete's massive frame made him a formidable opponent.
terrifying

Used to describe something that is very frightening or scary. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • The silence was broken by a terrifying scream.
  • The horror movie was absolutely terrifying.

Examples of usage

  • The monstrous creature towered over the city, causing fear and panic among the residents.
  • Her monstrous strength allowed her to lift the heavy boulder with ease.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

shockingly evil or cruel; abominable

Synonyms

atrocious, barbaric, heinous, inhuman, vicious.

Examples of usage

  • The monstrous acts of violence committed by the dictator horrified the world.
  • His monstrous behavior towards his employees made him a despised figure in the company.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classic literature, monstrous characters often symbolize societal fears, like Frankenstein's creature which embodies humanity's fears of playing God.
  • Monsters in folklore, such as dragons or trolls, often symbolize trials or obstacles that heroes must overcome.
  • Many fairy tales include monstrous beings, which serve as cautionary tales reflecting moral lessons about greed, pride, or anger.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Monsters, Inc.' play with the idea that monsters can be funny and friendly, not just scary.
  • In popular video games, monstrous creatures often represent the 'bosses' or strongest enemies to challenge the player.
  • The concept of a 'monstrous' character is prevalent in superhero films, where the line between hero and monster is blurred.

Science

  • In biology, the term is sometimes used to describe species with abnormal growths or mutations, though these are not 'monsters' in the traditional sense.
  • Certain psychological conditions can cause people to feel 'monstrous' due to societal rejection or stigma.
  • In environmental science, invasive species are sometimes described as 'monstrous' because they can disrupt ecosystems significantly.

Philosophy

  • The notion of the monstrous often raises questions about what it means to be human and the nature of evil.
  • Philosophers like Nietzsche discussed the concept of the 'monstrous' in relation to the 'รœbermensch' or 'overman', representing a person who transcends conventional morality.
  • Existentialists consider the 'monstrous' as a part of the human experience, exploring themes of alienation and the absurdity of existence.

Origin of 'monstrous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'monstrum', meaning a 'monster' or 'abomination'.
  • It evolved from the word that describes something that warns of doom or an ill omen.
  • In Middle English, it was used to describe unnatural creatures or things that inspire fear.

The word 'monstrous' originated from the Latin word 'monstruosus', which means 'unnatural or strange'. In Middle English, the term evolved to describe something extraordinary or abnormal in size or appearance. Over time, 'monstrous' came to connote something immense, powerful, or evil. The word has been used in literature and folklore to depict creatures or beings that inspire fear and awe.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,054, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.