different between tremendous vs mountainous

English

Etymology

From Latin tremendus (“fearful, terrible”), gerundive of trem? (“to tremble”), + -ous.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /t???m?nd?s/
• (weak vowel merger) IPA^(key): /t???m?nd?s/
• Rhymes: -?nd?s
• Hyphenation: tre?men?dous

Adjective

tremendous (comparative more tremendous, superlative most tremendous)

1. awe-inspiring; terrific.
2. Notable for its size, power, or excellence.

   Van Beethoven's ninth symphony is a tremendous piece of music.

3. Extremely large (in amount, extent, degree, etc.) or great

   There was a tremendous outpouring of support.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:gigantic

Derived terms

• tremendously
• tremendousness

Translations

Trivia

One of four common words ending in -dous, which are hazardous, horrendous, stupendous, and tremendous.

References

English

Etymology

From mountain +? -ous after Middle French montagneux, itself from montaigne or Late Latin mont?ni?sus, in turn from Latin mont?nus.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?ma?nt?n?s/

Adjective

mountainous (comparative more mountainous, superlative most mountainous)

1. Having many mountains; characterized by mountains; of the nature of a mountain; rough (terrain); rocky.
2. Resembling a mountain, especially in size; huge; towering.
3. (figuratively, of a problem or task) Very difficult.
4. (obsolete) Inhabiting mountains; hence, barbarous.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:gigantic

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

See also

• hilly