vast

UK: vɑːst | US: væst

Definition

  1. adj. extremely large in size, extent, or quantity

  2. adj. (archaic) desolate or empty

Structure
vast <waste, empty>
Etymology

The word "vast" traces back to Latin vastus, meaning "waste, desolate, or immense." It entered Middle English via Old French vaste, retaining its dual sense of physical emptiness and boundless scale. Over time, the "desolate" meaning faded, leaving the modern emphasis on immense size. The morpheme "vast" remains intact, reflecting its Latin root without further segmentation.

Examples

  1. The vast desert stretched endlessly under the scorching sun.

  2. Astronomers study vast distances between galaxies.

  3. A vast crowd gathered for the concert.

  4. The project required vast amounts of resources.

  5. (Archaic) The castle stood in a vast and lonely landscape.