Prodigious

Prodigious

Adjective · /prəˈdɪdʒəs/ · remarkably large, impressive, or extraordinary in size, extent, or degree

Definition

Prodigious means extraordinarily large, impressive, or extraordinary — going far beyond what is normal or expected. It can describe size, quantity, ability, or achievement. A prodigious talent is one so extraordinary it seems almost beyond human scale. A prodigious amount is so large it impresses or astonishes. The word always carries a sense of wonder.

Origin

From Latin prodigiosus — marvellous, portentous — derived from prodigium, meaning a portent, an omen, or a marvel. Related to prodigy. The original sense was supernatural or ominous — something so far outside the normal that it must be a sign from the gods. Over time the supernatural element faded and the sense of overwhelming magnitude and wonder remained.