magnitude Definition
- 1the great size or importance of something
- 2a numerical value assigned to an earthquake, celestial object, or other phenomenon on a logarithmic scale
Using magnitude: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "magnitude" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The magnitude of the problem is difficult to overstate.
Example
The magnitude of the earthquake was 6.5 on the Richter scale.
Example
The magnitude of the task ahead was daunting.
magnitude Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for magnitude
Antonyms for magnitude
Phrases with magnitude
Example
The cost of the project was underestimated by an order of magnitude.
Example
The magnitude of distance between Earth and Mars varies depending on their relative positions in their orbits.
Example
The magnitude of velocity of the rocket was impressive as it blasted off into space.
Origins of magnitude
from Latin 'magnitudo', meaning 'greatness'
Summary: magnitude in Brief
The term 'magnitude' [ˈmæɡnɪtjuːd] refers to the great size or importance of something, such as 'The magnitude of the problem is difficult to overstate.' It can also refer to a numerical value assigned to an earthquake or other phenomenon on a logarithmic scale, like 'The magnitude of the earthquake was 6.5 on the Richter scale.' Phrases like 'order of magnitude' denote a difference in scale or size that is roughly tenfold.