What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enormous
Example
The elephant was enormous, towering over the other animals. [enormous: adjective]
Example
The project required an enormous amount of time and resources. [enormous: adjective]
massive
Example
The building was massive, with towering columns and a grand entrance. [massive: adjective]
Example
The earthquake caused massive destruction, leaving entire cities in ruins. [massive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Massive is slightly more common than enormous in everyday language, especially when describing physical objects. However, both words are widely used and can be employed in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enormous and massive?
Both enormous and massive are formal words that can be used in academic or professional contexts. However, massive may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with technical or scientific language.