tremendous

Everyday

1. Very great in size, amount or strength; huge: a tremendous noise. tree →
2. (informal) Very good; excellent: a tremendous goal, a tremendous time. tree →

In the lessons

A strong describing word in stories and speech. Toad in The Wind in the Willows loves big words and calls his own adventures tremendous. In science, volcanoes release tremendous energy; in sport, a tremendous effort. In maths it never gives an exact number — it only says «very big».

Examples

• There was a tremendous crash of thunder. tree →
• You've made tremendous progress in reading! tree →
• The elephant was a tremendous size. tree →
• We had a tremendous time at the beach. tree →
• A volcano gives out tremendous heat. tree →
• The crowd gave a tremendous cheer. tree →
• It was a tremendous goal from the halfway line. tree →
• The storm had already lasted many days when tremendous heat began to make itself felt. tree →

Note

Adjective; adverb «tremendously». Spelling: tremend-ous (not -ious). It is a feeling word, not a number word.

In Jewish tradition

Moses uses it for God's mighty acts in Egypt. The Psalms use it for God's works and acts in general, and for the wonders the king's right hand will teach him.

Interpretation. Tradition sees these wonders as the reason Israel should feel awe (yirah) of God.

Examples

• He is thy glory, and He is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and tremendous things, which thine eyes have seen. (Torah DEU.10.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Say unto God: 'How tremendous is Thy work! (Writings PSA.66.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• And men shall speak of the might of Thy tremendous acts; and I will tell of Thy greatness. (Writings PSA.145.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• And in thy majesty prosper, ride on, in behalf of truth and meekness and righteousness; and let thy right hand teach thee tremendous things. (Writings PSA.45.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective; adverb «tremendously». Spelling: tremend-ous (not -ious). It is a feeling word, not a number word.