big

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Large in physical size, extent, or amount compared with similar things.

   Grammar: Use bigger and biggest for comparisons; large is often more formal in careful writing.

   Patterns

   • a big something
   • big enough to do something
   • too big for someone

   They bought a big table for the new dining room.

   This coat is too big for me now.

   The city has a big problem with traffic at rush hour.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Great in degree, number, or effect rather than physical size.

   Grammar: Often modifies nouns like increase, change, difference, or deal.

   Patterns

   • a big increase in something
   • a big difference
   • make a big deal of something

   There was a big rise in fuel prices last winter.

   Regular sleep makes a big difference to her mood.

   The teacher made a big deal of the class project.

3. 3adjectivecomparable

   Important, serious, or likely to have major effects.

   Grammar: Often comes before decision, day, question, or responsibility; stronger than minor.

   Patterns

   • a big decision
   • a big day
   • big news

   Moving abroad is a big decision for any family.

   Today is a big day for the graduating students.

   The discovery was big news in the science world.

4. 4adjectivecomparableinformal

   Older or more grown-up, especially in family relationships.

   Grammar: Common in phrases like big brother or big sister; informal and affectionate.

   Patterns

   • big brother
   • big sister
   • the big kids

   My big brother taught me how to ride a bike.

   The big kids carried the heavy boxes.

   She felt very big when she helped her grandfather.

Word forms

Common combinations

big enough

The suitcase is big enough for a week of clothes.

a big fan of something

I am a big fan of early morning walks.

big business

Data storage has become big business.

think big

When planning the fundraiser, think big but stay organized.

Synonyms and how they differ

large

Large means big and sounds slightly more formal, especially in writing.

great

Great often emphasizes degree or importance rather than physical size.

major

Major fits decisions, problems, or changes and stresses seriousness more than size.

Opposites

Word family

biggish adjective

Somewhat big; informal.

big-time adverb

Informal: at a very successful level.

Commonly confused: big or large?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “big”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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