adj.
Pronunciation: ' män(t)-str ə s
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 obsolete : STRANGE , UNNATURAL
2 : having extraordinary often overwhelming size : GIGANTIC
3 a : having the qualities or appearance of a monster b obsolete : teeming with monsters
4 a : extraordinarily ugly or vicious : HORRIBLE b : shockingly wrong or ridiculous
5 : deviating greatly from the natural form or character : ABNORMAL
6 : very great ― used as an intensive
– mon · strous · ly adverb
– mon · strous · ness noun
synonyms MONSTROUS , PRODIGIOUS , TREMENDOUS , STUPENDOUS mean extremely impressive. MONSTROUS implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness <the monstrous waste of the project>. PRODIGIOUS suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size) <made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside>. TREMENDOUS may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe <the tremendous roar of the cataract>. STUPENDOUS implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description <a stupendous volcanic eruption>.