gigantic
UK: dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk | US: dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk
adj. extremely large in size, scope, or degree; colossal
adj. resembling or characteristic of a giant
gigantic = gigant<giant> + ic<adjective suffix>
- gigant: From Greek gigas (genitive gigantos), meaning "giant" or "earthborn monster." Latinized as gigant-, it entered English via Old French gigantesque.
- ic: A suffix forming adjectives, derived from Latin -icus or Greek -ikos, indicating "pertaining to" or "characterized by."
Etymology Origin:
The word gigantic traces back to Greek mythology, where the Gigantes were a race of colossal beings who battled the gods. The term evolved through Latin and Old French, retaining its core meaning of immense size. The suffix -ic systematically converts nouns into adjectives, emphasizing a quality (e.g., heroic, poetic). Thus, gigantic literally means "pertaining to a giant," vividly conveying enormity.
The dinosaur skeleton in the museum was truly gigantic.
They faced gigantic challenges while building the bridge.
A gigantic wave crashed against the shore during the storm.
The project required a gigantic amount of resources.
Her gigantic smile lit up the entire room.