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adj. big·ger, big·gest 1. a. Of considerable size, number, quantity, magnitude, or extent; large. See Synonyms at large. b. Having great strength or force: a big wind; in a big rage. c. Of great significance; momentous: a big decision; a big victory. 2. a. Mature or grown-up: big enough to take the bus by herself. b. Older or eldest. Used especially of a sibling: My big brother is leaving for college next week. 3. a. Filled up; brimming over: felt big with love. b. Bountiful; generous: had a big heart. 4. Pregnant: big with child. 5. a. Having or exercising considerable authority, control, or influence: a big official; a big chief. b. Conspicuous in position, wealth, or importance; prominent: a big figure in the peace movement. 6. Loud and firm; resounding: a big voice. 7. Informal Widely liked, used, or practiced; popular: "The Minneapolis indie-rock band was big in the blogosphere, beloved by hipsters, and unknown to pretty much everyone else" (Robert Levine). 8. Informal Self-important; cocky: You're too big for your own good. adv. Idiom: 1. In a pretentious or boastful way: talked big about the new job. 2. Informal a. With considerable success: made it big with their recent best-selling album. b. In a thorough or unmistakable way; emphatically: failed big at the box office. big on Enthusiastic about; partial to: "a patriotic youth organization big on military-style marching drills" (Earl Swift). [Middle English, perhaps of Scandinavian origin.] biggish adj. bigly adv. bigness n. |
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