prodigious

[ pruh-dij-uhs ]

adjective

1. extraordinary in size, amount, extent, degree, force, etc.:

   a prodigious research grant.

   Synonyms: tremendous, gigantic, huge, immense, enormous

   Antonyms: tiny

2. wonderful or marvelous:

   a prodigious feat.

   Synonyms: miraculous, wondrous, astounding, stupendous, amazing

   Antonyms: ordinary

3. abnormal; monstrous.
4. Obsolete. ominous.

prodigious

/ prəˈdɪdʒəs /

adjective

1. vast in size, extent, power, etc
2. wonderful or amazing
3. obsolete.
   threatening

Derived Forms

• proˈdigiousness, noun
• proˈdigiously, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·digious·ly adverb
• pro·digious·ness noun
• unpro·digious adjective
• unpro·digious·ly adverb
• unpro·digious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prodigious¹

First recorded in 1545–55, prodigious is from the Latin word prōdigiōsus marvelous. See prodigy, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of prodigious¹

C16: from Latin prōdigiōsus marvellous, from prōdigium, see prodigy

Example Sentences

When Nadal emerged as a prodigious teenager, making his ATP Tour debut in 1999 aged 15, he was known simply for being the nephew of Barcelona and Spain footballer Miguel Angel.

From BBC

In a talent pool of such prodigious depths, though, spend some time out of the set-up and you can soon sink without trace.

From BBC

This week, he will take audiences through 70 songs from his prodigious catalog across three nights at the Wallis in Beverly Hills.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s refreshing to see such a prodigious honor bestowed on a piece of writing that’s content to go about its human business without the need to inflate its own importance.

From Los Angeles Times

Johnson’s personality and his prodigious output have both impressed his elders.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amazing
• astonishing
• astounding
• exceptional
• fantastic
• impressive
• marvelous
• miraculous
• phenomenal
• remarkable
• staggering