Definition

Very large in size, amount, or degree; much bigger than usual.

Example

The elephant is an enormous animal that can weigh several tons.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you see that enormous building downtown?

Yeah, it's hard to miss!

I wonder how many floors it has, it looks so tall!

I heard it's one of the tallest in the city; it's truly enormous!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Enormous → It is formed from "e-" (meaning out of or from) and "norma" (meaning a pattern or standard). The word "enormous" originally referred to something that deviates from the norm or standard, hence something very large or excessive.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'out of' ('e-') the 'standard' ('norma') — that's why enormous means extremely large.

Visually Confused Words