magnus
[ˈmaŋ.nʊs]
In Latin, 'big' is expressed as magnus. Wiktionary also lists grandis.
Meaning: of a great size (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| magnus | [ˈmaŋ.nʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmaɲ.ɲus] (narrow) |
| grandis | [ˈɡran.dɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɡran.dis] (narrow) |
The term is used to describe things of a great size, but it also carries meanings of greatness, importance or high status.
Which one should you use?
While both words describe size, magnus typically implies importance or greatness, whereas grandis often carries a connotation of being 'grand' or 'splendid' in addition to physical size.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word must change to match the gender and case of the noun it describes. For feminine nouns, use magna. For neuter nouns, use magnum. To express possession or the phrase 'of a big [thing]' in the genitive singular, use magni.
Did you know?
- The Latin word magnus is the ancestor of the English word 'magnificent'.
Examples in context
- Hic canis magnus est.This dog is big.This sentence uses magnus to describe a dog.Tatoeba #1189962 by alexmarcelo, translation #59419 by CK
- Quam magnus est Mars?How big is Mars?This sentence uses magnus to ask about the size of Mars.Tatoeba #7036898 by alexmarcelo, translation #6011152 by mailohilohi
- Magnus sum et fortis.I'm big and strong.This sentence uses magnus to describe oneself.Tatoeba #10127282 by shekitten, translation #10127058 by shekitten
- Marcus habet domum magnam.Marcus has a big house.
- Roma est urbs magna.Rome is a big city.
- Campus Martius est locus amplus.The Campus Martius is a big place.
- Incola est vir ingens.The resident is a big man.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Lucia are looking at a house.
- LuciusVide hanc domum!Look at this house!
- LuciaIta, magna est domus.Yes, the house is big.
- LuciusHabemusne locum pro omnibus?Do we have room for everyone?
- LuciaCerte, quia locus magnus est.Certainly, because the place is big.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “big” translations and entries magnus, grandis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grandis, magnus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
