Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Enormous?

\E*nor"mous\, a. [L. enormis enormous, out of rule; e out + norma rule: cf. F. ['e]norme. See {Normal}.] 1. Exceeding the usual rule, norm, or measure; out of due proportion; inordinate; abnormal. ``Enormous bliss.'' --Milton. ``This enormous state.'' --Shak. ``The hoop's enormous size.'' --Jenyns. Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait. --Milton. 2. Exceedingly wicked; outrageous; atrocious; monstrous; as, an enormous crime. That detestable profession of a life so enormous. --Bale. Syn: Huge; vast; immoderate; immense; excessive; prodigious; monstrous. Usage: -- {Enormous}, {Immense}, {Excessive}. We speak of a thing as enormous when it overpasses its ordinary law of existence or far exceeds its proper average or standard, and becomes -- so to speak -- abnormal in its magnitude, degree, etc.; as, a man of enormous strength; a deed of enormous wickedness. Immense expresses somewhat indefinitely an immeasurable quantity or extent. Excessive is applied to what is beyond a just measure or amount, and is always used in an evil; as, enormous size; an enormous crime; an immense expenditure; the expanse of ocean is immense. ``Excessive levity and indulgence are ultimately excessive rigor.'' --V. Knox. ``Complaisance becomes servitude when it is excessive.'' --La Rochefoucauld (Trans).