Word of the Day

: May 26, 2011

prodigious

adjective pruh-DIJ-us

What It Means

1 : resembling or befitting a prodigy : strange, unusual

2 : exciting amazement or wonder

3 : extraordinary in bulk, quantity, or degree : enormous

prodigious in Context

Artisans have begun the prodigious task of restoring the beautiful mosaics that were damaged in the earthquake.

"Today she's known for her prodigious work ethic -- although she sells some of Chicago's highest-end properties, she still accepts modest listings -- as well as her independent streak and her charity fundraising." -- From an article by Carol Mithers in Town and Country, May 2010

Did You Know?

"Prodigious," "monstrous," "tremendous," and "stupendous" all mean extremely impressive. "Prodigious" suggests something marvelous or extraordinary, whereas "monstrous" implies that something is not only large but also ugly or deformed. "Tremendous" and "stupendous" both imply a power, the former to terrify or awe, the latter to stun or astound. "Prodigious" and the related noun "prodigy" derive from the Latin "prodigium," meaning "omen" or "monster"; at one time, both words were used in English to refer to portents, or omens, but these senses are now considered obsolete.