titanic
titanic — adjective
- titanicpositive
- more titaniccomparative
- most titanicsuperlative
1. describes something that is impressively huge in size, strength, or importance,
describes something that is impressively huge in size, strength, or importance, often to the point where its scale feels almost overwhelming or monumental — for example, a titanic construction project, a titanic military battle, or a titanic personal challenge.
Few engineering projects matched the titanic scale of the Panama Canal expansion.
collocation: titanic scale
Tamás described the mountain rescue as a titanic effort that lasted three full days.
The titanic waves crashed against the cliffs during the strongest storm in decades.
Andrés knew the challenge ahead would be titanic, but he refused to give up.
Stephanie called the drought a titanic disaster that affected millions of farming families.
- colossal
Very close in meaning and register; both come from words for giant beings (Titans / Colossus of Rhodes). Colossal may emphasise size slightly more, while titanic leans toward strength and power.
- monumental
Highlights historical importance or lasting impact more than raw size. A 'monumental achievement' suggests something historically significant, whereas a 'titanic achievement' emphasises the enormous effort required.
- gigantic
More common and less formal than titanic. Focuses on physical size rather than power or importance. You can call a pizza 'gigantic' but not 'titanic'.
- enormous
The most neutral and widely used synonym. Lacks the dramatic, mythological overtone of titanic, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
- tiny
Basic opposite in terms of size; fully informal and direct.
- insignificant
Opposite of the 'importance' aspect of titanic rather than its size.
- minuscule
More formal than tiny; suggests something extremely small and contrasts well with titanic in formal writing.
用法筆記
Typically used attributively before a noun (a titanic struggle). Occasionally found in predicative position after verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'seem'. Carries a dramatic, emphatic tone — it is more common in formal writing, journalism, and literature than in everyday casual conversation.