Monstrous: meaning, definitions and examples

👹
Add to dictionary

monstrous

 

[ ˈmɒnstrəs ]

Adjective
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?

arrow down
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

Translations of the word "monstrous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 monstruoso

🇮🇳 राक्षसी

🇩🇪 monströs

🇮🇩 mengerikan

🇺🇦 монструозний

🇵🇱 monstrualny

🇯🇵 怪物のような

🇫🇷 monstrueux

🇪🇸 monstruoso

🇹🇷 canavar gibi

🇰🇷 괴물 같은

🇸🇦 وحشي

🇨🇿 monstrózní

🇸🇰 monštruózny

🇨🇳 怪物般的

🇸🇮 pošasten

🇮🇸 skrímsli

🇰🇿 айдаһардай

🇬🇪 ურჩხული

🇦🇿 canavar kimi

🇲🇽 monstruoso

Etymology

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.