What is giant? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of giant

giantnoun

/ˈdʒʌɪənt/
Definition & pronunciation of giant

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "giant":

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈdʒaɪ.ənt

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈdʒai: This part sounds like "jay" (as in the name Jay). The 'ˈ' symbol indicates that this syllable is the stressed (most emphasized) syllable.
  • ənt: This part sounds like "ant." It’s a short, unstressed vowel sound.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • "gi" – Sounds like the "j" in "jam."
  • "an" – This is a schwa sound (ə). It’s a very short, neutral vowel sound – like the "a" in "about." It's not a strong, distinct "a" sound.

Resources to hear it:

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

Usage and examples with the word giant in English

Let's break down how to use the word "giant" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown:

1. Literal Giant – A Huge Human Being

  • Meaning: This is the most straightforward use – referring to a person who is exceptionally tall.
  • Examples:
    • "He was a giant of a man, easily six and a half feet tall."
    • "Legend speaks of a giant who lived in the forest."
    • "The children were amazed by the giant statue in the park."

2. Figurative Giant – Something Extremely Large or Important

  • Meaning: This is where "giant" gets really interesting. It’s used to describe something that's larger than life – huge in size, scale, impact, or significance. It's often hyperbolic (exaggerated for effect).
  • Examples:
    • “The internet has become a giant source of information.” (Referring to its vastness.)
    • "Mount Everest is a giant of the natural world." (Referring to its size and awe-inspiring nature.)
    • "He's a giant in the field of computer science." (Referring to his influence and expertise.)
    • “That company is a giant in the industry." (Referring to its size and market dominance.)
    • "The film was a giant success." (Referring to its popularity and box office revenue)

3. Used as an Adjective (Describing something large)

  • Meaning: You can use "giant" to describe something literally large.
  • Examples:
    • “The giant oak tree dominated the landscape.”
    • “Giant mushrooms grew in the damp forest.”
    • “The giant wheel at the amusement park looked like it could take off.”

4. In Folklore/Mythology

  • Meaning: Giants are common figures in myths and legends across many cultures. They are often depicted as enormous, powerful, and sometimes dangerous.
  • Examples:
    • "The giant battled the hero for many days."
    • "According to the story, the giants built the mountains."

Tips for Using "Giant" Effectively:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to determine whether you mean a literal giant or a figurative one.
  • Hyperbole is common: When using "giant" figuratively, it's often used deliberately for dramatic effect. Don’t use it unless you truly mean something is exceptionally large or important.
  • Consider alternatives: If you’re describing size, words like “huge,” “massive,” “enormous,” or “large” might be more precise. If you're describing influence, consider words like “dominant,” “influential,” or “leading.”

Let's Practice!

Could you give me a sentence using “giant” in one of the ways we’ve discussed? I can help you refine it if you’d like!

Synonyms for the word giant

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