mighty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, literary, and informal (when used as an intensifier)
Quick answer
What does “mighty” mean?
possessing great and impressive power or strength, especially in size, scale, or intensity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
possessing great and impressive power or strength, especially in size, scale, or intensity
1. Used as an intensifier meaning 'very' or 'extremely'. 2. Impressively large, imposing, or formidable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The adverbial use ('mighty fine') is more common and informal in American English, often associated with regional (Southern) or older speech. In British English, adverbial use is rare and may sound archaic or like an Americanism. The adjective is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
UK: Primarily literary or formal for the adjective; archaic for the adverb. US: Adjective is standard; adverb is informal, folksy, or regional.
Frequency
The adjective is of medium frequency in both. The intensifier adverb is low frequency in UK, low-to-medium in informal US contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mighty” in a Sentence
[Adj] + Noun (mighty army)[Adv] + Adj (mighty impressive)Verb + [Adj] + Noun (became a mighty power)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mighty” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- It's a mighty long way to Tipperary. (archaic/folksong)
- He was mighty pleased with the result. (rare)
American English
- That was a mighty fine pie you baked.
- I'm feeling mighty tired after that hike.
adjective
British English
- They faced the mighty wrath of the king.
- The castle was protected by mighty walls.
American English
- The team was a mighty opponent last season.
- A mighty storm swept across the plains.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; occasionally in metaphors ('a mighty competitor').
Academic
Used in historical/literary contexts ('the mighty Roman legions').
Everyday
Mostly as an informal intensifier in US English ('mighty kind of you'). Adjective used for emphasis.
Technical
Not typical.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mighty”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mighty”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mighty”
- *He is mighty (meaning 'very') good player. (Missing hyphen or awkward syntax) Better: 'He's a mighty good player.'
- Overusing the adverbial form in formal writing.
- Confusing 'mighty' (adj/adv) with 'might' (noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends. As an adjective meaning 'powerful', it can be formal or literary. As an adverb meaning 'very', it is informal, especially in American English.
'Mighty' often implies impressive, formidable, or grand scale, sometimes with a poetic or archaic tone. 'Powerful' is more neutral and common, referring to the possession of power in a general sense.
Yes, but it often has a heroic, legendary, or imposing connotation (e.g., 'mighty warrior', 'mighty ruler'). For ordinary strength, 'strong' or 'powerful' is more typical.
No, it is negative. It describes someone who is arrogant, haughty, or acting as if they are superior to others.
possessing great and impressive power or strength, especially in size, scale, or intensity.
Mighty: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “high and mighty”
- “pen is mightier than the sword”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a knight in armour - he looks MIGHTY (strong and impressive). The word contains 'might' (power).
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS SIZE/STRENGTH (a mighty empire, a mighty oak). INTENSITY IS PHYSICAL POWER (mighty tired).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'mighty' used as an adverb?