What is enormous? Pronunciation and usage in English

enormous means . Learn how to pronounce and use enormous through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of enormous

enormousadjective

/ɪˈnɔːməs/
Definition & pronunciation of enormous

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "enormous" in English. It's a tricky one because of the combination of sounds! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is broken down into three syllables:

  • en - like the word "hen"
  • or - like the word "more"
  • mous - like the word "mouse"

2. Pronunciation Guide:

Here's a more detailed guide, using common phonetic symbols (though these aren't essential to understand):

  • en - /ən/ (a short, unstressed "uh" sound – think of "in" but very quick)
  • or - /ɔr/ (like the "or" in "more" or "born")
  • mous - /maʊs/ (rhymes with "house")

3. Putting it together:

When you say the whole word, it sounds like this: ˈen.ɔr.maʊs (The 'ˈ' symbol indicates the stressed syllable, which is the first syllable – "en".)

4. Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is strongly on the first syllable ("en").
  • "or" sound: Make sure you're saying the "or" like in "more," not like in "car."
  • "mous" sound: This is a short, somewhat muffled "m" followed by the "ow" sound as in "house."

Resources to hear it:

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  • Give you some example sentences using the word "enormous"?

Usage and examples with the word enormous in English

Let's break down how to use the word "enormous" effectively in English.

1. Meaning:

"Enormous" means extremely large or great in size, amount, or degree. It’s a stronger word than “big” or “large.” Think of it as suggesting something truly substantial.

2. Parts of Speech & Usage:

  • Adjective: This is the most common use. You’ll use it to describe something.

    • Example: "The elephant had an enormous trunk."
    • Example: "They received an enormous gift for their wedding."
    • Example: "The company’s profits were enormous this year."

  • Noun (Rare): It can occasionally be used as a noun, often referring to a vast or substantial quantity – this is less frequent.

    • Example: "He amassed an enormous fortune." (Meaning a huge amount of money)
    • Example: "The scale of the disaster was enormous." (Meaning the size of the problem was overwhelming)

3. Examples in Sentences (Showing Different Contexts):

  • Physical Size: “The mountain was enormous, rising thousands of feet into the sky.”
  • Quantity: “They sold enormous quantities of tickets to the concert.”
  • Impact/Effect: “The news had an enormous impact on the community.”
  • Amount: “The detective discovered enormous sums of money hidden in the safe.”
  • Difficulty: “The project presented enormous challenges.”

4. Alternatives (When ‘Enormous’ Might Feel Strong:

While “enormous” is great, sometimes it's too emphatic. Here are some alternatives, depending on what you want to convey:

  • Huge: (A good, common alternative - slightly less intense)
  • Large: (More neutral)
  • Massive: (Suggests weight and scale)
  • Gigantic: (Implies something truly enormous – often used for fantastical things)
  • Immense: (Suggests vastness and scope)
  • Substantial: (Focuses on quantity or importance)

5. Tips for Using it Correctly:

  • Don’t overuse it: Like any strong word, “enormous” can lose its impact if used too frequently.
  • Consider the context: Ensure it truly fits the scale you're describing. Is "large" or "big" sufficient?
  • Combine with other descriptive words: To add more detail, use "enormous" with other adjectives, like "enormous and impressive" or “enormous and terrifying.”

Resources for More Examples:

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  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a description of a building, a story about a discovery, etc.)

Synonyms for the word enormous

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