Meaning & use
astronomical
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Extremely large in amount, size, or degree; far beyond what is usual or expected.
Grammar: Used before a noun or after linking verbs like be, seem, become. Can be graded: more astronomical, most astronomical.
Patterns
- astronomical prices
- astronomical costs
- an astronomical amount
- astronomical numbers
The cost of the new stadium was astronomical, far more than the city had planned to spend.
House prices in the city center have become astronomical in recent years.
The team spent an astronomical amount of money on new equipment.
adjectivenot comparabletechnical
Relating to astronomy or the scientific study of stars, planets, and space.
Grammar: Used before a noun, as in astronomical observations. Not usually graded.
Patterns
- astronomical observations
- astronomical data
- astronomical research
- astronomical instruments
The telescope was built for astronomical research at the university.
Astronomical observations require clear skies and precise instruments.
She published her findings in a journal of astronomical science.
Common combinations
- astronomical prices
- The astronomical prices at the resort made it impossible for us to stay.
- astronomical costs
- The project was delayed because of astronomical costs.
- astronomical odds
- The chances of winning the lottery are astronomical.
- astronomical growth
- The company saw astronomical growth in its first year.
- astronomical figures
- The government reported astronomical figures for the national debt.
Synonyms and how they differ
- huge
- More general and less extreme; astronomical suggests something so large it seems almost unreal.
- enormous
- Similar in meaning but can describe physical size as well as amounts; astronomical is often used for numbers or costs.
- colossal
- Emphasizes great size or scale, often in a more dramatic or literary way than astronomical.
Opposites
Word family
- astronomy noun
- The scientific study of stars, planets, and space.
- astronomer noun
- A scientist who studies astronomy.
- astronomically adverb
- In an astronomical way; often used to mean 'extremely'.
Commonly confused: astronomical or astronomical vs. astronomic?
astronomical vs astronomical vs. astronomic
Both are adjectives, but astronomical is far more common in both technical and everyday use. Astronomic is rare and mostly appears in older texts.
Practice
The price of the tickets was ______, so we decided not to go.
Choose one answer.
Astronomical is the usual adjective meaning 'extremely large'. Astronomic is rare, astronomically is an adverb (would need a verb like 'priced astronomically'), and astronomy is a noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “astronomical”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.