adjective
stupendous
stoo-PEN-duhs/stuːˈpendəs/
Extremely impressive
The stupendous sequoia dwarfs the hikers gazing upward at its enormous trunk.
Etymology
The root means being stunned or amazed, and the gerundive made stupendus mean “to be wondered at.” Something stupendous is thus remarkable enough in scale or quality to leave its observer astonished.
In context
I suddenly left the jungle behind me, and found myself standing on the top of a stupendous cliff, looking down upon a lake of blue water.
More examples
- The view from the summit is stupendous.
- She makes stupendous progress after just a few lessons.
- Their tiny kitchen produces a stupendous meal.
Forms
stupendous
stupendously adverb — To an extremely impressive degree.
Similar words
- spectacular
- Emphasizes a striking display that captures attention.
- magnificent
- Emphasizes impressive beauty, grandeur, or exceptionally high quality.
- astounding
- Emphasizes overwhelming surprise, not necessarily excellence or admiration.