big
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for big, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Large in size, amount, or extent.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use big
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Northern Middle English big or bigge, "powerful, strong," possibly from a dialect of Old Norse, ultimately traced to a Germanic root meaning "to swell" — the same root behind words like "bug" and "bugbear."
Full origin of big →Frequently asked questions
What does “big” mean?
The word “big” means large in size, amount, or extent. In plain terms, large in size or importance — one of the most common words in English for scale or significance.
How do you pronounce “big”?
“Big” is pronounced bihg (/bɪɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “big” in a sentence?
Here is “big” used in a sentence: “They moved into a big house with a large garden.”
What part of speech is “big”?
Depending on how it is used, “big” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “big” come from?
The word “big” comes from Middle English. From Northern Middle English big or bigge, "powerful, strong," possibly from a dialect of Old Norse, ultimately traced to a Germanic root meaning "to swell" — the same root behind words like "bug" and "bugbear.".
Is “big” a common word?
“Big” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “big” have?
“Big” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: large in size, amount, or extent.
What is the difference between 'big' and 'large'?
Both describe size, but "big" is more informal and can also suggest importance or emotion, like a big decision or a big brother. "Large" is slightly more formal and sticks mainly to physical size or quantity, as in "a large coffee." You would order a large drink, but call something a big deal.
What is the opposite of 'big'?
The usual opposites are "small," "little," and "tiny," with "tiny" being the most extreme. For amounts, "slight" or "minor" can act as opposites, and for importance, "unimportant" or "trivial." Which one fits depends on whether "big" refers to physical size, quantity, or significance in that particular sentence.
Is 'big' formal or informal?
"Big" is neutral to informal, perfectly fine in everyday speech and most writing, but in very formal or technical contexts "large," "substantial," or "significant" often sound more polished. There is nothing wrong with "big"; it simply reads as plainer and more conversational than its more formal alternatives.
What is the difference between 'big' and 'great'?
"Big" refers mainly to size or scale. "Great" can mean large too, but more often means excellent or important; a great film is a good one, not a large one. "A big difference" means a sizeable one, and "a great difference" leans the same way, yet "great" usually adds a note of quality or admiration.