monumental
UK: ˌmɒn.jʊˈmen.təl | US: ˌmɑː.njəˈmen.t̬əl
adj. extremely large, impressive, or significant
adj. relating to or serving as a monument
adj. (figurative) of great historical or lasting importance
The word "monumental" derives from the Latin "monumentum," meaning "a memorial or enduring record," combined with the English adjectival suffix "-al." The root "monument" traces back to "monere" (Latin for "to remind" or "to warn"), reflecting its original purpose of preserving memory. Over time, "monumental" expanded beyond physical structures to describe anything grand or historically significant, emphasizing scale and permanence.
The team achieved a monumental victory after years of effort.
The pyramids are monumental achievements of ancient engineering.
Her contributions to science were truly monumental.
The artist spent decades creating this monumental sculpture.
Cleaning the entire house before the guests arrived felt like a monumental task.