Fabulous

Definition

Fabulous typically means extraordinary, especially in being very large or in being excellent, or based on fables and not likely to be true.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfæbjʊləs/
• Respelling: FAB-yuh-luhs (with "FAB" as in "tab," "yuh" as in "you," and "luhs" as in "bus")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfæbjʊləs/
• Respelling: FAB-yuh-luhs (with "FAB" as in "tab," "yuh" as in "you," and "luhs" as in "bus")

In both dialects, "fabulous" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "FAB." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "FAB-yuh-luhs."

Etymology

The word "fabulous" originates from the Latin word fabulosus, meaning "celebrated in fable," derived from fabula, meaning "story" or "tale." The term entered Old French as fableus and was adopted into Middle English in the 15th century. Originally, it described something related to fables or myths, but over time, its meaning expanded to include anything exceptionally good or impressive.

Derivatives

• Fabulously (adverb)
• Fabulousness (noun)
• Fabulist (noun, a creator of fables)
• Fab (informal, adjective)
• Fabulation (noun, the act of creating fables or fictional stories)

Synonyms

• Fantastic
• Amazing
• Incredible

Antonyms

• Ordinary
• Mundane
• Dull

Usage

"Fabulous" is commonly used to describe things or experiences that are exceptionally good, impressive, or enjoyable. It can also be used in a more literary or imaginative sense to refer to something that seems too extraordinary to be true, akin to something out of a fable or myth.

Related Terms

• Fable: A short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral.
• Legend: A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
• Myth: A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon.

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Extraordinarily Good: Used to describe something that is exceptionally enjoyable, beautiful, or impressive.
  • Example: The party was absolutely fabulous; everyone had a great time.

• Impressive or Astonishing: Refers to something that exceeds expectations or is particularly remarkable.
  • Example: She received a fabulous offer for her artwork.

• Mythical or Legendary: Describes something that is imaginary or exists only in stories, often related to ancient myths or legends.
  • Example: The hero's fabulous adventures were recounted in stories passed down through generations.

• Incredible or Unbelievable: Used to describe something that is so extraordinary it is hard to believe, as if it were from a fable.
  • Example: The explorer told fabulous tales of his travels to distant lands.