Brobdingnagian Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/brobˌdɪŋˈneɪdʒɪən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person or thing of enormous size, especially in a fantastical or fictional context.

Examples

• The giant stood at over 10 feet tall, a true Brobdingnagian among men.
• She wore oversized shoes to accommodate her Brobdingnagian feet.
• The Brobdingnagian statue towered above the city square.

Synonyms

• Gigantic
• Humongous

Antonyms

• Minuscule
• Petite

Etymology

The word “Brobdingnagian” originates from Jonathan Swift’s novel “Gulliver’s Travels”, where it refers to the giant Brobdingnags, who were inhabitants of the fictional island of Brobdingnag.

Usage Notes

While the term “Brobdingnagian” is often used figuratively to describe something or someone as enormous or impressively large, it is best used sparingly to maintain its literary charm.

Cultural References

The word has been referenced in various cultural contexts, from literature and poetry to music and film.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• as big as a Brobdingnagian

Related Words or Phrases

• Giant
• Enormous
• Massive

Collocations

• Brobdingnagian size
• Brobdingnagian strength

Frequency of Use

The word “Brobdingnagian” is rarely used in everyday conversation, being more commonly encountered in literary or poetic contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Brobdinginian
• Brobdingnegan