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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.

Brought in to replace club legend Kevin de Bruyne, Cherki had big boots to fill but the early signs suggest he can plug the hole left by the brilliant Belgian and his creativity.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

That rating stuck as shares climbed above $30 last fall, but the stock has since given up its big 2025 gains, dropping 39% to start 2026.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“The big difference between the K shape and the E shape is the health of the middle class,” Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

That means even a relatively small shift in capital could translate to big gains in energy shares.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

That sleeping on it would help pacify everyone’s big feelings about whatever it was that happened tonight.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam