different between enormous vs merciless

English

Etymology

From Latin ?normis. An assimilated form of ex- (“out of”) + norma (“rule, norm”) + -ous.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /??n??(?)m?s/
• Rhymes: -??(?)m?s

Adjective

enormous (comparative more enormous, superlative most enormous)

1. (obsolete) Deviating from the norm; unusual, extraordinary.
   • , New York 2001, p.105:

     all shall be rather enforced than hindered, except they be dismembered, or grievously deformed, infirm, or visited with some enormous hereditary disease is body or mind […].

2. (obsolete) Exceedingly wicked; atrocious or outrageous.
   • 1872, James Pillsbury Lane, Historical Sketches of the First Congregational Church, Bristol, R.I., 1689-1872, page 61:

     Men would prove wolves and vipers; tigers and dragons mixt in one and the same person to each other. O bless God for this great gift of Princes and Judges to rule the wicked and enormous world and to sway the scepter of righteousness […]

   • 1898, Christianity in Earnest, for Church Extension and Saloon Suppression, page 7:

     Protestant Christian people are largely ignorant or indifferent to the wicked and enormous religious claims of Romanism. As a so-called religious organization, Romanism is not only the foe of Protestantism, but […]

3. Extremely large; greatly exceeding the common size, extent, etc.

Synonyms

• massive
• huge
• gigantic
• humongous
• abnormal
• tremendous
• See also Thesaurus:gigantic

Translations

Anagrams

• nemorous

English

Etymology

From Middle English merciles, mercyles, equivalent to mercy +? -less.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?m??s?l?s/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /?m?s?l?s/

Adjective

merciless (comparative more merciless, superlative most merciless)

1. Showing no mercy; cruel and pitiless.

Synonyms

• unmerciful
• cruel
• pitiless
• ruthless

Derived terms

• mercilessly
• mercilessness

Translations

Anagrams

• crimeless