What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heavy
Example
The box was too heavy for me to lift. [heavy: adjective]
Example
She felt heavy-hearted after the loss of her pet. [heavy: adjective]
Example
The air was heavy with humidity. [heavy: adjective]
massive
Example
The massive boulder blocked the road. [massive: adjective]
Example
The company suffered massive losses due to the pandemic. [massive: adjective]
Example
The cathedral's massive spires towered over the city. [massive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heavy is more commonly used than massive in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts. Massive is more specific and often used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heavy and massive?
Both heavy and massive can be used in formal and informal contexts, but massive is often associated with a more technical or specialized tone due to its use in fields such as engineering or architecture.