stupendous

UK: stjuːˈpɛndəs | US: stuːˈpɛndəs

Definition

  1. adj. extremely impressive in size, quality, or degree; astonishing

  2. adj. (archaic) causing amazement or awe

Structure
stup <amaze>endous <adjective suffix>stup <amaze>endous <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word stupendous originates from Latin stupendus, the gerundive form of stupere ("to be stunned"). It entered English in the mid-17th century, initially meaning "worthy of astonishment." Over time, it intensified to describe things so extraordinary they evoke awe. The morpheme stup- retains its core idea of amazement, while -endous amplifies it into a measurable quality.

Examples

  1. The Grand Canyon's stupendous scale leaves visitors speechless.

  2. She made a stupendous effort to complete the project overnight.

  3. The orchestra delivered a stupendous performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

  4. His stupendous wealth allowed him to fund groundbreaking research.

  5. The rocket’s liftoff was a stupendous spectacle of engineering.