Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person of exceptional importance and reputation: A "colossus" can refer to an individual who has immense influence, significance, or fame in a particular field.
   • Someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful: A "colossus" can also refer to a person, organization, or object of gigantic size, strength, or power.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Albert Einstein was a colossus in the world of physics. (Albert Einstein was a person of exceptional importance in physics.)
  • The new aircraft carrier is a colossus of modern engineering. (The new aircraft carrier is something abnormally large and powerful in engineering.)
  • The ancient statue was a true colossus, towering over the city. (The ancient statue was a gigantic object.)

Advanced Usage

• "A colossus astride/over...": Used to describe a person or entity dominating a particular domain.
  • The company became a colossus astride the tech industry. (The company became a dominant power in the tech industry.)
• "A colossus of...": Followed by a field to indicate a towering figure within it.
  • She is considered a colossus of modern literature. (She is considered a towering figure in modern literature.)

Variants and Related Words

• Colossal (adj): Extremely large, great, or powerful.
  • The project required a colossal amount of resources.
• Colossally (adv): To an extremely large degree.
  • The plan failed colossally.

Synonyms

• Giant: A person or thing of great size, strength, or importance.
• Titan: A person or thing of very great strength, intellect, or importance.
• Behemoth: Something enormous, especially a large and powerful organization.

Idioms and Phrases

• "A colossus with feet of clay": A person or institution that appears powerful but has fundamental weaknesses or flaws.
  • The dictator was seen as a colossus with feet of clay, his regime crumbling from within. (The dictator appeared powerful but had critical weaknesses.)

Noun

1. a person of exceptional importance and reputation
2. someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful