large
85 synonyms and 3 antonyms for large, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Big in size, amount, or extent.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use large
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French large, from Latin larga, "abundant, plentiful."
Full origin of large →Frequently asked questions
What does “large” mean?
The word “large” means big in size, amount, or extent. In plain terms, big — used for physical size, amounts, or clothing sizes.
How do you pronounce “large”?
“Large” is pronounced lahj (/lɑɹd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “large” in a sentence?
Here is “large” used in a sentence: “They bought a large house with plenty of garden space.”
What is another word for “large”?
Words with a similar meaning to “large” include big, huge, giant, gigantic, enormous and stour.
What is the opposite of “large”?
The opposite of “large” — its antonyms — are small, tiny and minuscule.
What part of speech is “large”?
Depending on how it is used, “large” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “large” come from?
The word “large” comes from Latin. From Old French large, from Latin larga, "abundant, plentiful.".
Is “large” a common word?
“Large” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between large and big?
They mean almost the same and often swap freely. "Big" is more casual and can also imply importance, as in "a big decision." "Large" is slightly more formal and sticks to measurable size or amount. You would order a large coffee but call an event a big deal. For plain size, either works.
What is the difference between large and huge?
Both describe great size, but "huge" is far stronger. "Large" means simply above average; "huge" means enormous, far beyond the ordinary. A large house is spacious, while a huge house is vast. "Huge" is essentially one step up, used when "large" does not feel big enough for what you mean.
What is the opposite of large?
The main opposites are "small" and "little" — below average in size or amount. Depending on context, "tiny," "compact," or "minor" also work. Where large means great in size or extent, small means the reverse: taking up little space or amounting to only a small quantity.
Is 'large' about size or amount?
Both. "Large" describes physical size (a large room), quantity (a large sum, a large crowd), and extent or scope (a large role in a project). In each case it means notably greater than average. The word stretches naturally from measuring space to measuring numbers and even importance.