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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.

Do you worry about it ever getting too big?

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Victory at Sea was a big deal in its heyday.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

A possible price war between OpenAI and Anthropic won’t help the big developers turn a profit any sooner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Dozens of companies, including big hotel chains on the holiday islands, have now signed up to the scheme.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

“Yeah, I know that’s right,” Aunt J replies with a big smile as they embrace.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold




Vocabulary lists containing big


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