immense

UK: ɪˈmɛns | US: ɪˈmɛns

Definition

  1. adj. extremely large or great in size, degree, or extent

  2. adj. (archaic) boundless; limitless

Structure
im <not>mense <measure>
Etymology

immense = im<not> + mense<measure>

  • im (prefix): from Latin in- (not), negating the root.
  • mense: from Latin mensus (measured), past participle of metiri (to measure).

Etymology Origin:
The word "immense" originates from Latin immensus, combining in- (not) + mensus (measured). It originally described something so vast it could not be measured, evolving into its modern sense of "extremely large." The logic reflects a shift from literal immeasurability to metaphorical grandeur.

Examples

  1. The Grand Canyon is an immense natural wonder.

  2. She felt immense relief after passing the exam.

  3. The project required an immense amount of time and effort.

  4. His influence on modern science is immense.

  5. (Archaic) The universe was once thought to be immense and eternal.