Vast: meaning, definitions and examples

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vast

[vɑːst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

ocean

of very great extent or quantity; immense

Synonyms

boundless, enormous, huge, immense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vast	Used to describe something very large in size, extent, or quantity. It often implies a wide area or a significant amount that can be overwhelming. The desert is a vast expanse of sand. There is a vast amount of information available on the internet.
huge	Used to describe something very large, both in a literal and figurative sense. It is colloquial and common in everyday speech. The dog was huge! Winning the lottery was a huge surprise.
enormous	Used to describe something very large in size or amount, often surprisingly so. It is typically used to emphasize the physical dimensions. The skyscraper is an enormous building. They faced an enormous problem.
immense	Used to describe something extremely large or great, often in a way that suggests grandeur or impressiveness. The immense ocean stretched out before them. She has immense talent.
boundless	Used to describe something that has no limits or boundaries, often in a poetic or exaggerated way. It implies endlessness and infinity. She had boundless energy and enthusiasm. The possibilities seemed boundless in their new venture.

Examples of usage

The vast ocean stretched out before us.
She was overwhelmed by the vastness of the sea.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

knowledge

of great importance or significance

Synonyms

considerable, important, significant, substantial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vast	Used to describe something very large in size, amount, or extent. Often used for geographical areas or large collections. The Sahara Desert is a vast expanse of sand. She has a vast collection of antique books.
significant	Describes something that has a noticeable impact or importance. Often used in contexts where the implications or changes are measurable or evident. The merger had a significant impact on the company's market share. There's been a significant reduction in crime rates this year.
important	Specifically refers to something having great significance or value in terms of consequences or implications. It does not necessarily relate to size or amount. It is important to follow the safety protocols during the experiment. Her research made an important contribution to medical science.
substantial	Refers to something of considerable size or worth, often implying solidity and durability. Can be used for both tangible and intangible items. They made a substantial investment in renewable energy. She received a substantial raise after her promotion.
considerable	Implies a large amount or degree, but less extensive than 'vast.' Often used in formal or business settings. He has considerable experience in the field of biotechnology. The new policy brought a considerable improvement to workplace safety.

Examples of usage

He possessed a vast amount of knowledge on the subject.
The issue had vast implications for the future.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

space

extending to a great distance; wide

Synonyms

broad, extensive, spacious, wide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vast	Used to describe something immense or seemingly infinite in size. It often implies a sense of awe or overwhelming scale. The vast desert stretched out before them She was amazed by the vast knowledge he possessed
wide	Ideal for describing physical width or breadth, but can also be used metaphorically to describe a broad range or diversity. The street was very wide There is a wide range of options available
extensive	Best used when something covers a large area or involves a large amount of information, effort, or resources. The library has an extensive collection of historical documents His research was extensive and thorough
spacious	Commonly used to describe interiors or areas that have plenty of space or are comfortably large. The apartment was surprisingly spacious We need to find a more spacious venue for the event
broad	Appropriate for describing something wide or large in extent, often in a more general sense. It can also refer to general topics or categories. She has a broad understanding of different cultures The river was very broad at this point

Examples of usage

The vast plains stretched as far as the eye could see.
She gazed up at the vast expanse of the night sky.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'vastus', which means empty or waste, showing how something big can also feel empty.
In Old French, 'vast' maintained the meaning of being large or expansive, influencing its current usage in English.
It was first used in English around the 14th century, primarily to describe large spaces or areas.

Literature

Writers often use 'vast' to convey a sense of wonder or insignificance, emphasizing characters’ emotions against large backgrounds.
In poetry, 'vast' can describe endlessness, making readers feel connected to something greater than themselves.
Classic works, like Melville's 'Moby-Dick', use 'vast' to characterize the ocean, reflecting themes of exploration and the unknown.

Science

The universe is often described as 'vast', with billions of galaxies spread across unimaginable distances.
In ecology, vast areas of habitat are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and environmental balance.
Oceanographers use 'vast' to describe deep-sea environments, emphasizing how these large regions remain largely unexplored.

Cultural References

In many cultures, the idea of vast landscapes, like deserts or mountains, represent freedom and adventure.
Music and art often explore the concept of vastness, evoking feelings of isolation or beauty in expansive scenes.
Movies depicting epic journeys, such as 'The Lord of the Rings', showcase vast landscapes to highlight the characters' challenges.

Philosophy

Philosophers often discuss the vastness of human thought and the pursuit of knowledge as a journey without limits.
The concept of a vast universe raises questions about existence and humanity’s place within it, fostering deep contemplation.
Vastness in philosophy can symbolize freedom of choice and the plethora of possibilities in life.

Translations

Translations of the word "vast" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vasto

imenso
enorme

🇮🇳 विशाल

🇩🇪 weit

groß
riesig

🇮🇩 luas

besar
sangat besar

🇺🇦 величезний

обширний
широкий

🇵🇱 rozległy

ogromny
szeroki

🇯🇵 広大な

🇫🇷 vaste

immense
énorme

🇪🇸 vasto

amplio
enorme

🇹🇷 geniş

büyük
uçsuz bucaksız

🇰🇷 광대한

🇸🇦 واسع

🇨🇿 rozsáhlý

obrovský
široký

🇸🇰 rozsiahly

obrovský
široký

🇨🇳 广阔的

🇸🇮 obsežen

🇮🇸 víðáttumikill

🇰🇿 кең

үлкен
ұлан-ғайыр

🇬🇪 ფართო

🇦🇿 geniş

🇲🇽 vasto

amplio
enorme

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,028, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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