WordGarden.iomassive
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈæsɪv/
US
- /ˈmæsɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
very large, thick, or heavy in physical size or build
very great in amount, extent, scale, or degree
very severe, forceful, or consequential in effect
Beyond the definition
When something is massive, it is not just big, but extremely big. Think of a mountain range stretching across the horizon or a huge crowd at a concert. The word often suggests something heavy, powerful, or hard to ignore. You might use it for an elephant, a storm, or a building, but not for something tiny like a pebble. It can also describe things that need a lot of work, time, or energy.
Sometimes "massive" is also used in a figurative way to mean very great or very important. For example, "The company experienced massive growth this year." That means the growth was much bigger than usual.
The word massive describes something of extraordinarily large size, scale, or extent. It goes beyond simply being "big"; a massive object or event is imposing and often awe-inspiring due to its sheer magnitude. Think of the massive pyramids of Egypt, built with incredible effort over centuries, or the massive expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Originally, massive referred to something constructed as a solid block—like a massive stone wall. This sense of solidity still lingers in the word's meaning today, suggesting weight and substance alongside size. You might describe a building as having "massive columns," implying they are thick, strong, and imposing.
However, massive isn't limited to physical objects. It can also be used figuratively to emphasize the extent or importance of something abstract. A "massive problem" is one that's incredibly difficult to solve, while a "massive success" is an achievement of great proportions. You might hear about "massive public support" for a cause, meaning widespread and enthusiastic backing.
In modern usage, massive has also become somewhat colloquial, often used as an intensifier—similar to "huge" or "enormous." While still conveying size, it can sometimes be employed simply for emphasis: "That was a massive mistake!"
So whether describing physical scale, the weight of a problem, or the extent of success, massive always points towards something that is far beyond ordinary in its size and impact.
Examples
- 1
Furniture
The hotel room had a massive bed in the middle.
- 2
Crowd size
A massive crowd waited outside the stadium.
- 3
Business profit
The company made a massive profit last year.
- 4
Sales growth
There has been a massive increase in online sales.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Team problem
Losing the contract was a massive problem for the team.
- 6
Entertainment success
The new album was a massive success.
- 7
Strong liking
She's a massive fan of old horror movies.
- Patterna massive fan of + something
someone who likes it very much
- 8
Large impact
The storm caused damage on a massive scale.
- Patternon a massive scale
affecting a very large area or many people
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- massiveadjective