German Conversation · Level 19
90 words
German word
monumental
Pronunciation
IPA/monumɛnˈtaːl/
Meaning
- adjectivegrand
Example
Das Denkmal ist monumentaler als ich gedacht habe.
The monument is grander than I thought.
More examples
Die Flutkatastrophe war von monumentalem Ausmaß.
The flood disaster was of monumental scale.
Core concept
A monument-sized presence that dominates attention through scale, force, or lasting importance.
Common phrases
von monumentalem Ausmaß
of monumental scale
ein monumentales Bauwerk
a monumental structure
monumental anmuten
seem monumental
Similar words
enorm: Very large in amount, size, or degree.
imposant: Commanding and impressive in appearance or presence.
bedeutend: Highly important, influential, or valuable.
riesig: Enormous in physical size or extent.
Definition in German
außerordentlich in Größe oder Wirkung und dadurch besonders eindrucksvoll; häufig im formellen Sprachgebrauch.
Word origin
German monumental comes through French from Latin monumentalis, derived from monumentum, meaning a monument or memorial.
Usage tips
- German monumental also describes an achievement, task, or failure of exceptional scale, not only a large physical object.
Other meanings
- hugeadjective
- imposingadjective
Opposites
- bescheidenmodestadjective
- unauffälliginconspicuousadjective
Related words
- Monumentalitätmonumentalitynoun
- monumentalisierenmonumentalizeverb