Monumental: meaning, definitions and examples

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monumental

 

[ˌmɒnjʊˈmɛnt(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

art

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

Synonyms

grand, imposing, majestic, monolithic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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 city’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

Translations of the word "monumental" in other languages:

🇵🇹 monumental

🇮🇳 स्मारकीय

🇩🇪 monumental

🇮🇩 monumental

🇺🇦 монументальний

🇵🇱 monumentalny

🇯🇵 記念碑的な

🇫🇷 monumental

🇪🇸 monumental

🇹🇷 anıtsal

🇰🇷 기념비적인

🇸🇦 نصب تذكاري

🇨🇿 monumentální

🇸🇰 monumentálny

🇨🇳 纪念性的

🇸🇮 monumentalen

🇮🇸 minnisvarði

🇰🇿 монументалды

🇬🇪 მონუმენტალური

🇦🇿 monumental

🇲🇽 monumental

Etymology

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.