Monumental Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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monumental

[หŒmษ’njสŠหˆmษ›nt(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

art

Impressively large, sturdy, and enduring, like a monument.

Synonyms

grand, imposing, majestic, monolithic.

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Word Description / Examples
monumental

Use to describe something extremely large, important or lasting.

  • The construction of the pyramids was a monumental achievement
  • Graduating from university was a monumental moment in her life
imposing

Describes something that has an impressive appearance due to its size, dignity, or grandeur.

  • The cathedral was imposing against the skyline
  • She felt small next to the imposing figure of the ancient statue
majestic

Refers to something that has a beautiful, dignified, and impressive look or manner.

  • The eagle soared through the sky with its majestic wings
  • The king made a majestic entrance into the hall
monolithic

Describes something large, powerful, and uniform, often used to describe organizations or structures.

  • The company had a monolithic structure with strict hierarchies
  • The monolithic building dominated the cityโ€™s skyline
grand

Used for something impressive in size, appearance, or general effect.

  • The ballroom was grand with its high ceilings and crystal chandeliers
  • They hosted a grand celebration for their wedding anniversary

Examples of usage

  • The artist created a monumental sculpture that towered over the city skyline.
  • The monumental architecture of the cathedral left visitors in awe.
Context #2 | Adjective

historical

Relating to or resembling a monument, especially in scale or scope.

Synonyms

impressive, massive, monument-like, substantial.

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Word Description / Examples
monumental

This word is often used to describe something of great significance, scale, or importance, often with a historical or lasting impact.

  • Building the Great Wall of China was a monumental achievement.
  • The discovery of the new vaccine was a monumental event in medical history.
monument-like

This word is used when something resembles a monument in its appearance, often in terms of size, shape, or grandeur.

  • The new office building is monument-like in its design.
  • Her calm and stoic demeanor was almost monument-like.
massive

This word is used to describe something very large, heavy, or extensive in size or amount.

  • The massive boulder blocked the path.
  • They raised a massive amount of money for charity.
impressive

This word is used to describe something that evokes admiration or respect due to its quality, skill, or appearance.

  • Her performance in the play was truly impressive.
  • The view from the top of the mountain is impressive.
substantial

This word is used to describe something of considerable importance, size, or worth.

  • They made a substantial contribution to the project.
  • The meal was substantial enough to satisfy everyone.

Examples of usage

  • The monumental task of rebuilding the city after the war was a challenging endeavor.
  • The team achieved a monumental victory in the championship game.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Many great structures, like the Pyramids of Giza or the Eiffel Tower, are considered monumental due to their size and cultural significance.
  • Monuments are often built to commemorate historical events, people, or movements, making their impact last for generations.
  • In architecture, 'monumental' designs often feature grand scales, bold forms, and are used to inspire awe or remembrance.

Cultural Impact

  • Monumental art typically aims to evoke strong emotions and convey important societal values or memories.
  • Certain films or music albums are called monumental because they change the cultural landscape, like The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.
  • In literature, monumental works are those that shape discussions in society, like George Orwellโ€™s '1984' about government control.

Psychology

  • Experiences considered monumental often shape a person's identity, providing lasting memories that influence future decisions.
  • Research shows that events causing strong emotional responses tend to be remembered vividly, making them monumental in personal history.
  • In psychology, moments of great achievement are often referred to as 'monumental milestones', marking key points in an individual's life.

History

  • Many monumental events, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, are pivotal in shaping nations and societies.
  • In history, monumental victories in battles or remarkable discoveries have lasting impacts on culture and human progress.
  • The term is often used in historical contexts to describe significant turning points, like the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Origin of 'monumental'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'monumentum', which means a reminder or memorial.
  • It entered the English language in the late 15th century and was originally used to describe buildings and structures.
  • Over time, the meaning expanded to include any significant and enduring achievements or events.

The word 'monumental' originated from the Latin word 'monumentum', meaning 'a building or statue to commemorate a person or event'. Over time, its usage evolved to describe something grand, impressive, and enduring. In modern usage, 'monumental' is often used to emphasize the scale, significance, or impact of something.


See also: monuments.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,646, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.