WordGarden.iocolossus
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kəlˈɒsəs/
US
- /kəˈlɑsəs/
Meanings
Noun
a person, organization, or thing of enormous size, power, or importance
an enormous statue
Beyond the definition
The name "colossus" often brings to mind the Colossus of Rhodes, a huge bronze statue of the sun god Helios. But a colossus is not just a statue; it means anything very large and powerful, in a real or figurative sense. You might describe a strong business empire as a financial colossus or a famous athlete as a sports colossus. The word carries a sense of awe because of its size and influence.
Originally, a colossus referred specifically to the Statue of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This bronze sculpture was so immense that legend says it straddled the harbor entrance. Today, however, the word has broadened in meaning to describe anything extraordinarily large, powerful, or dominant.
It can refer to a physical object: "The skyscraper was a steel and glass colossus dominating the city skyline." More often, it is used figuratively to describe something abstract. A company that holds a monopoly might be called an "industrial colossus," implying its sheer size and market dominance. Similarly, a famous historical figure who defines an era could be described as a "colossus of literature" or a "political colossus."
The word carries connotations of strength, grandeur, and even invincibility. It suggests a presence that dwarfs everything around it, making it nearly impossible to ignore. Whether you are describing a literal giant or a person whose influence defines their field, you are referring to a modern-day colossus.
Examples
- 1
Global business
The company grew from a small startup into a global colossus.
- 2
Field leader
She is regarded as a colossus in modern physics.
- Patterna colossus in + field
a person of enormous importance there
- 3
Formal plural
Small publishers struggle to compete with international media colossi.
- Grammar
colossi is a formal plural of colossus
- 4
Hidden weakness
For all its power, the regime proved to be a colossus with feet of clay.
- Phrasea colossus with feet of clay
someone or something that seems very powerful but has a hidden weakness
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- leviathan
- juggernaut
- goliath
Contrast
- lightweight
- minor player
Used with (collocations)
- corporate colossus
- industrial colossus
- a colossus of
Word family
- colossal
- colossally
Explore
- monumentality
- dominance
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- colossusnoun
Forms
- colossipluralnoun
- colossusespluralnoun