Word
immense
Meanings
Extremely large in size or extent.
Extremely great in amount, intensity, or importance.
Definition
Extremely large or great in size, amount, or degree.
If something is immense, it is far bigger, greater, or more powerful than usual or expected. The word can describe physical size, but it is also common for abstract ideas like pressure, relief, or importance. It suggests a strong sense of scale and impact.
Examples
- The cathedral’s immense dome dominated the skyline from every approach to the city.
- I felt immense relief when the final report was accepted without revisions.
- She faced immense pressure to deliver the keynote after the original speaker cancelled.
- They showed immense patience during the long delays, even as the crowd grew restless.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “immense” with “intense”; use “immense” for size or degree, and “intense” for strong feelings or activity.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.