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Definitions

big

[big] / bɪg /






Usage

What are other ways to say big? In reference to the size and extent of concrete objects, big is the most general and most colloquial word, large is somewhat more formal, and great is highly formal and even poetic, suggesting also that the object is notable or imposing: a big tree; a large tree; a great oak; a big field; a large field; great plains. When the reference is to degree or a quality, great is the usual word: great beauty; great mistake; great surprise; although big sometimes alternates with it in colloquial style: a big mistake; a big surprise; large is usually not used in reference to degree, but may be used in a quantitative reference: a large number (great number).

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Two years ago, screenwriter Diablo Cody was in the middle of trying to write “a very big, commercial, four-quadrant movie” when she gave birth to her third child.

From Los Angeles Times

It is the biggest shake-up in local government in Essex since 1974.

From BBC

Scarsbrook's actual language was more colourful than we can publish, because he knew just how important his friend's big breakthrough could prove.

From BBC

Import prices leaped 1.3% in February to mark the biggest advance in almost four years.

From MarketWatch

By itself, a big increase in import prices might not be a big deal — they rise and fall by large amounts quite often.

From MarketWatch