massive

The word “massive” means extremely large in size, extent, or degree. In plain terms, huge — in size, weight, seriousness, or impact.

“Massive” is pronounced MAS-ihv (/ˈmæs.ɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “massive” used in a sentence: “The company posted a massive profit last quarter.”

Words with a similar meaning to “massive” include bulky, heavy, hefty, substantial, weighty and consequential.

The opposite of “massive” — its antonyms — are insubstantial, light, dwarf, little and microscopic.

“Massive” is an adjective.

The word “massive” comes from Middle French. From Middle English massif, via Middle French, built from mass plus the adjective ending -ive.

“Massive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Both mean very large and are often interchangeable. "Massive" suggests great bulk, weight, or solidity as well as size — a massive boulder, a massive effort. "Huge" emphasizes sheer size or amount. "Massive" can feel slightly stronger and is also popular as informal praise, as in "a massive hit."

In its literal sense — massive walls, a massive structure — it is standard in all writing. Used as an intensifier meaning great, as in "a massive thank you" or "massively popular," it is more informal and conversational. In British slang, "massive" can even mean excellent. Context decides how casual it sounds.

You might describe a massive mountain, a massive traffic jam, or a massive increase in prices. The word applies to physical bulk, as in a massive oak door, to scale, as in massive crowds, and to degree, as in a massive improvement. It stresses being overwhelmingly large.

The opposite of massive is "tiny," "minuscule," or "slight." For physical objects you might say "small" or "lightweight"; for amounts or degrees, "minimal" or "negligible." Where massive stresses great size or weight, these words stress smallness or insignificance.