Definition

Extremely large or huge in size or amount.

Example

The gargantuan statue towered over the city, attracting tourists from all around.

Conversation

Did you see that new statue in the park?

Yes, it's absolutely gargantuan!

I can't believe how big it is; it almost looks surreal.

Right? It's like a giant welcoming everyone to the city.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gargantuan → The word originates from the name 'Gargantua', a giant character in the 16th-century novel 'Gargantua and Pantagruel' by François Rabelais. The name itself is derived from the Old French 'gargant', meaning 'to gargle' or 'to swallow'. The term 'gargantuan' has come to mean enormous or gigantic, reflecting the size of the character.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant who 'gargles' or 'swallows' everything in sight — that's how you can remember that 'gargantuan' means something very large or enormous.

Visually Confused Words