big

¹big

adj \ˈbig\

big·gerbig·gest

Definition of BIG

1

a obsolete : of great strength b : of great force <a big storm>

2

a : large or great in dimensions, bulk, or extent <a big house>; also : large or great in quantity, number, or amount <a big fleet> b : operating on a large scale <big government> c : capital 1

3

a : pregnant; especially : nearly ready to give birth b : full to bursting : swelling <big with rage> c of the voice : full and resonant

4

a : chief, preeminent <the big issue of the campaign> b : outstandingly worthy or able <a truly big man> c : of great importance or significance <the big moment> d : imposing, pretentious; also : marked by or given to boasting <big talk> e : magnanimous, generous <was big about it>

5

: popular <soft drinks are very big in Mexico — Russ Leadabrand>

6

: full-bodied and flavorful —used of wine

— big·ly adverb

— big·ness noun

— big on

: strongly favoring or liking; also : noted for <she is big on blushing — Arnold Hano>

Examples of BIG

1. a big glass of soda
2. She moved to a bigger city.
3. the biggest city in the state
4. He led a big group through the museum.
5. She works for a big company.
6. He organized a big advertising campaign.
7. We had a big fund-raiser for the school.

Origin of BIG

Middle English, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect bugge important man

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BIG

Synonyms: important, consequential, earthshaking, earth-shattering, eventful, historic, major, material, meaningful, momentous, monumental, much, significant, substantial, tectonic, weighty

Antonyms: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, little, minor, negligible, slight, small, trifling, trivial, unimportant

Related Words: decisive, fatal, fateful, strategic; earnest, grave, heavy, serious, sincere; distinctive, exceptional, impressive, outstanding, prominent, remarkable; valuable, worthwhile, worthy; distinguished, eminent, great, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious; famous, notorious, renowned; all-important, central, critical, crucial, essential, key, pivotal, seminal, vital

Near Antonyms: paltry, petty, worthless; anonymous, nameless, obscure, uncelebrated, unknown

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with BIG

brig, cig, dig, fig, gig, grig, jig, pig, prig, rig, sprig, swig, trig, twig, vig, Whig, wig, zig