Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Extremely large, immense, or gigantic in size, scale, or degree: Used to describe something so vast or impressive that it inspires awe or amazement.
   • Extraordinary or extreme in nature: Can describe something non-physical, such as an amount, effort, or quality, that is remarkably great.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The archaeologists uncovered the colossal statue of a forgotten king.
  • The project was a colossal failure, costing the company millions.
  • She showed colossal courage in facing the challenge.

Advanced Usage

• "Colossal" is often used for emphasis and is stronger than words like "big," "large," or "great." It frequently implies a sense of being overwhelming or monumental.
  • The team made a colossal effort to meet the deadline.
  • It was a colossal mistake to ignore the warnings.

Variants and Related Words

• Colossally (adverb): To an immense or extreme degree.
  • The plan was colossally ambitious.
• Colossus (noun): A person or thing of enormous size, importance, or ability. This is the noun form from which "colossal" is derived.
  • The company is a colossus in the tech industry.

Synonyms

• Enormous
• Immense
• Gigantic
• Monumental
• Prodigious
• Stupendous
• Titanic

Antonyms

• Tiny
• Minuscule
• Insignificant
• Minute

Idioms and Common Phrases

• A colossal waste: An extreme and complete waste of time, money, or resources.
  • The entire meeting was a colossal waste of time.
• Colossal nerve/cheek: Extreme audacity or impudence.
  • He had the colossal nerve to ask for a raise after missing his targets.

Adjective

1. so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
   • colossal crumbling ruins of an ancient temple
   • has a colossal nerve
   • a prodigious storm
   • a stupendous field of grass
   • stupendous demand