Main Entry: enor·mous

Pronunciation: \i-ˈnȯr-məs, ē-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin enormis, from e, ex out of + norma rule

Date: 1531

1 a archaic : abnormal, inordinate b : exceedingly wicked : shocking <an enormous sin>
2 : marked by extraordinarily great size, number, or degree; especially : exceeding usual bounds or accepted notions

— enor·mous·ly adverb

— enor·mous·ness noun

synonyms enormous, immense, huge, vast, gigantic, colossal, mammoth mean exceedingly large. enormous and immense both suggest an exceeding of all ordinary bounds in size or amount or degree, but enormous often adds an implication of abnormality or monstrousness <an enormous expense> <an immense shopping mall>. huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount <incurred a huge debt>. vast usually suggests immensity of extent <the vast Russian steppes>. gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind <a gigantic sports stadium>. colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions <a colossal statue of Lincoln>. mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk <a mammoth boulder>.