Giant

Definition

Giant is a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to a mythical being of enormous size and strength or, metaphorically, a person or thing of extraordinary power or influence. As an adjective, it describes something very large or great in scale, size, or importance.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdʒaɪənt/
• Respelling: JY-uhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdʒaɪənt/
• Respelling: JY-uhnt

Etymology

The word "giant" originates from Old French "geant," derived from Latin "gigas," and Greek "gígās," meaning "earth-born" or "a mythical giant." It entered Middle English in the 14th century to describe large mythical beings and has since expanded to encompass metaphorical and descriptive uses.

Derivatives

• Giantess (noun)
• Gigantic (adjective)
• Giant-like (adjective)
• Giantism (noun)
• Gigantism (noun)

Synonyms

• Colossus
• Titan
• Behemoth

Antonyms

• Dwarf
• Miniature
• Tiny

Usage

The noun "giant" is used to describe mythical beings ("The giant in the fairy tale lived in a castle"), influential entities ("He was a giant in the tech industry"), or exceptionally large objects ("The company built a giant telescope"). As an adjective, it describes size or scale, such as "a giant leap for mankind."

Related Terms

• Colossal: Extremely large or massive.
• Enormous: Of great size or magnitude.
• Mythical: Related to myths or legends.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A mythical being of enormous size and strength: Refers to legendary creatures in folklore and mythology.
  • Example: "The giant roared and shook the earth with his footsteps."
• A person or entity of great power, influence, or size: Used metaphorically for individuals or organizations.
  • Example: "He is considered a literary giant of his generation."
• An object or structure of immense size: Describes physical objects that are unusually large.
  • Example: "The giant statue dominates the town square."

Adjective

• Very large or great in size, scale, or importance: Refers to something significant in magnitude or impact.
  • Example: "The company took a giant step forward in innovation."
• Exceptional or extraordinary in nature: Emphasizes greatness or superiority.
  • Example: "The giant success of the event was unexpected."