magnitude

[ˈmæɡnɪtjuːd]

magnitude Definition

• 1. the great size or importance of something
• 2. a 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

• extent
• scale
• importance
• severity
• size

Antonyms for magnitude

• insignificance
• triviality

Phrases with magnitude

• order of magnitude

  a difference in scale or size that is roughly tenfold

  Example

  The cost of the project was underestimated by an order of magnitude.

• magnitude of distance

  the distance between two objects in space

  Example

  The magnitude of distance between Earth and Mars varies depending on their relative positions in their orbits.

• magnitude of velocity

  the speed and direction of an object's motion

  Example

  The magnitude of velocity of the rocket was impressive as it blasted off into space.

Origins of magnitude

from Latin 'magnitudo', meaning 'greatness'

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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.