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big

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The definition of big is something large or grand in size, or the status of being older or of being an adult or grown-up instead of a child.

(adjective)

An example of big is a 10,000 square foot house.
An example of big is your older brother.
An example of big is when a four year old thinks ahead to when he is older or to when he will be "big."

See big in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective bigger, biggest

1. of great size, extent, or capacity; large
2. great in amount or quantity
3. great in force or intensity: a big wind
1. full-grown
2. elder: his big sister
1. far advanced in pregnancy (with)
2. filled or swelling (with)
loud
1. important or outstanding: to do big things
2. very well known; famous
3. popular; very well liked
boastful; pompous; extravagant: big talk
☆ generous; noble: a big heart

Origin: ME < Gmc *bugja, swollen up, thick (> bug & Norw dial. bugge, big man) < IE base *beu-, *bheu-, to blow up, swell > puck, L bucca, puffed cheek

adverb bigger, biggest

pompously; boastfully; extravagantly: to talk big
impressively
in a broad way; showing imagination: think big!

Related Forms:

bigness noun

See big in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective big·ger, big·gest

Of considerable size, number, quantity, magnitude, or extent; large. See Synonyms at large.
a. Of great force; strong: a big wind; in a big rage.
b. Obsolete Of great strength.
a. Mature or grown-up: big enough to take the bus by herself.
b. Older or eldest. Used especially of a sibling: My big brother is leaving for college next week.
Pregnant: big with child.
Filled up; brimming over: felt big with love.
Having or exercising considerable authority, control, or influence: a big official; a big chief.
Conspicuous in position, wealth, or importance; prominent: a big figure in the peace movement.
Of great significance; momentous: a big decision; a big victory.
Informal Widely liked, used, or practiced; popular: “For public opinion . . . has grown harsh and yuppie-bashing is big” (Sally Jacobs).
Informal Self-important; cocky: You're too big for your own good.
Loud and firm; resounding: a big voice.
Bountiful; generous: had a big heart.

adverb

In a pretentious or boastful way: talked big about the new job.
Informal
a. With considerable success: made it big with their recent best-selling album.
b. In a thorough or unmistakable way; emphatically: failed big at the box office.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , perhaps of Scandinavian origin

Related Forms: