larger-than-life
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Exaggerated or more impressive than reality: Used to describe a person, character, or thing that is portrayed or perceived as being more extraordinary, dramatic, or impressive than is typical or real. 2. Of heroic or epic proportions: Having qualities of grandeur, immense scale, or significance that seem to surpass the ordinary.
Usage
The adjective "larger-than-life" is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like 'is' or 'seems'). It describes something that exceeds normal expectations in its impact, appearance, or character.
Examples
- Attributive use:
- He created a larger-than-life character for the movie.
- The festival was a larger-than-life celebration of local culture.
- Predicative use:
- Her personality on stage is truly larger-than-life.
- The legend of the hero has become larger-than-life over the centuries.
Advanced Usage
- In criticism or analysis: Often used to discuss artistic portrayals, public personas, or myths that are intentionally amplified.
- The director's larger-than-life visual style defines his films.
- Many historical figures are remembered in a larger-than-life manner.
Variants and Related Words
- Life-sized / life-size (adj): Having the same size as the person or thing represented. (This is a related but contrasting term).
- Over-the-top (adj, informal): Excessive or exaggerated. (Shares the sense of exaggeration but often implies a lack of restraint).
Synonyms
- Grandiose: Impressive or magnificent, but sometimes unrealistically so.
- Colossal: Extremely large.
- Epic: Of heroic size or character; grand in scale.
- Flamboyant: Strikingly bold or brilliant; showy.
Antonyms
- Understated: Presented in a subtle, restrained way.
- Ordinary: Normal, with no special features.
- Life-sized: Of the same size as in real life.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- A legend in one's own lifetime: Someone who is famous and admired while still alive, often implying a larger-than-life reputation.
- The charismatic leader became a legend in his own lifetime.
- To live large: To live in a lavish, extravagant, or bold manner.
- After his success, he started to live large, buying expensive cars and traveling the world. (This idiom conveys a similar sense of exceeding normal bounds in lifestyle.)
Adjective
- very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale)
- an epic voyage
- of heroic proportions
- heroic sculpture