colossus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “colossus” mean?
An extremely large or powerful person, organization, or thing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An extremely large or powerful person, organization, or thing; historically, a statue of gigantic size.
A person or thing of enormous size, importance, influence, or ability, often regarded as dominant or foundational in its field.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Possibly more frequent in UK English in historical/academic contexts referencing the ancient Colossus of Rhodes.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects. Evokes awe, immense power, and sometimes antiquity.
Frequency
Relatively low-frequency, learned word in both dialects. More likely encountered in formal writing, history, economics, or literature.
Grammar
How to Use “colossus” in a Sentence
colossus of [industry/art/finance][industry/financial] colossuscolossus bestriding [a field/era]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describes a dominant, market-leading corporation (e.g., 'The tech colossus reported record profits').
Academic
Used in history, economics, or political science to describe a dominant state, empire, or theoretical model (e.g., 'The Soviet colossus').
Everyday
Rare. Used for dramatic effect to describe something perceived as overwhelmingly large or powerful (e.g., 'That new shopping centre is a colossus!').
Technical
In computing, 'Colossus' refers to the British WWII code-breaking computer.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colossus”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colossus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colossus”
- Misspelling as 'collosus'.
- Using it for positive contexts only (it can be negative, e.g., 'a crushing bureaucratic colossus').
- Using it as a countable adjective (e.g., 'a colossus building' is wrong; use 'colossal').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard plural is 'colossuses', but the Latin-derived plural 'colossi' (/kəˈlɒsaɪ/ or /kəˈlɑːsaɪ/) is also very common, especially in formal or historical contexts.
No. While it often denotes impressive size/power, it can have negative connotations of being oppressive, unwieldy, or intimidating (e.g., 'the stifling colossus of state bureaucracy').
'Colossus' is more formal, literary, and evocative of a specific, monolithic structure or overwhelming dominance. 'Giant' is more general and common. A colossus is often a specific, singular giant of its field.
No. The adjective form is 'colossal'. Incorrect: 'a colossus project'. Correct: 'a colossal project'.
An extremely large or powerful person, organization, or thing.
Colossus is usually formal, literary in register.
Colossus: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈlɒsəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈlɑːsəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bestride something like a colossus”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the COLOSSus of Rhodes – a COLOSSAL statue. Both words share the root for huge size.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER/SIZE IS PHYSICAL HEIGHT/MASS (A dominant entity is a towering, massive statue).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'colossus' LEAST appropriate?