‘Alternative’ means a different option or choice. In this case, there are many alternative options to describe something as ‘very big.’ When trying to improve your English skills, it’s helpful to have a wide vocabulary. This blog post will help you learn some ‘very big’ synonyms and work towards expanding your English vocabulary more generally. Having a wide vocabulary and knowing lots of alternative synonyms for words in English will help you to express your thoughts and ideas more clearly when you communicate in English.
A synonym is a different word for something with the same meaning, in English, we have lots of synonyms for words, for example you can say ‘loud’ or ‘noisy’ and it means the same thing. Sometimes synonyms have slightly different meanings but once you get used to hearing certain words in sentences you will be able to use them in the right context yourself.
In English, people often say ‘very’ before something to emphasise a more intense version of that word. For example, you can say ‘I’m very tired’ to mean you are more than just tired. However, if you use the term too often it will start to sound repetitive so its good to learn a very other words that mean the same.
Examples of alternative words for ‘very big’
- Gigantic
Example: That spider is absolutely gigantic!
- Humongous
Example: The tree outside the shop is humongous.
- Huge
Example: I took a huge slice of cake.
- Massive
Example: There is a massive storm coming!
- Large
Example: I’m expected to get a large pay rise in the coming months.
- Vast
Example: There’s a vast expanse of water covering the area.
- Enormous
Example: The que for the restaurant looks enormous.
- Astronomic
Example: You can’t imagine the size, its astronomic.
- Hefty
Example: He has a hefty weight for a small rabbit.
- King size
Example: I need to buy a king size bed sheet.
- Monumental
Example: The impact of your actions is going to be monumental!
- Whopping
Example: That’s a whopping size of car you’ve got there.
- Jumbo
Example: We are very hungry. We didn’t just get the big option, we went for jumbo.
- Bulky
Example: It won’t fit into the boot of the car, it’s a bulky suitcase.
- Weighty
Example: That’s a weighty portion there.
- Oversize
Example: I got you an oversize jumper to keep you extra warm.
- Magnificent
Example: I’m proud of my favourite team – they achieved a magnificent victory.
- Supersized
Example: We’re going away for the weekend and John let us borrow his supersized camper van.
- Immeasurable
Example: You made it! You have saved me from the immeasurable pain that would have occurred in your absence.
- Mega
Example: Although it began as a small occasion, this has turned into a mega event.
Knowing when to use which synonym
Although we have given specific examples here, many of these words can be switched around to replace one another. Some words can’t be used out of context, for example ‘weighty’ and ‘bulky’ have specific meanings because one refers to the weight of something and the other refers to the size. Additionally, ‘king sized’ and ‘supersized’ can be used to refer to specific sizes of something so it may not be possible to use these words in place of one another.
Expanding your English vocabulary
When you first get started learning a language, you will most likely express yourself in a pretty basic way. As time goes by, you will learn to speak more specifically about what you’re doing and feeling and this is partly down to widening your English vocab. This will help you in your written work, or conversation with friends or even when applying for a job in the future. Some tips you can start implementing to expand your vocab:
- Learn more synonyms by spending time with a thesaurus or using wordhippo.com.
- Read, read, read! Make sure to explore a wide variety of mediums and genres e.g. read magazines, books, websites and blogs to get an understanding of variety of writing styles and vocabularies.
- Listen to podcasts, music and the news to hear different words you may not know.
- Make friends with UK locals or listen to people talking in public spaces and try and pick up the local slang.
- Make it fun! Find an online game, (there are lots of English language apps including word games) or listen to music or watch movies with the subtitles.
Knowing a wider selection of ways to express yourself will not only make it easier for you to get by in an English-speaking country, but you will also be able to have more interesting and in-depth conversations with other English speakers. Read more on how to expand your English vocabulary our blog post ‘How to improve your English vocab’ here.
After reading this blog post, you will have definitely expanded your vocabulary to include lots of words you can replace ‘very big’ with. The next time you’re about to write or say ‘very big’ try alternating it with one of these other words. Next, why not pick another word you find yourself using often and try learning a few synonyms?
One of the most annoying things about learning a new language is when you discover a new word or phrase that you like, then it completely slips your mind. We recommend you create a personal ‘word journal’ unique to your own interests and English skills. You can begin by adding some of the words we have listed as synonyms for very big, then include other words you have researched alternatives for.
Once you have a few synonyms for commonly used words under your belt, you’ll be one step closer to improving your English-language skills and becoming a more proficient speaker and writer!