Big describes something that has large size, amount, or importance. It can refer to physical size or to ideas like big plans or big problems.
From Middle English “bigge,” probably from a Scandinavian source related to Old Norse. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it has long been used for size and importance.
“Big” is one of English’s power words—it can mean large in size, but also emotionally or socially huge, like a “big decision.” Kids learn it early, which is why it shows up everywhere from cartoons to business news.
“Big” has been used differently across genders in reference to bodies, ambition, and emotions—praising men for “big” achievements while sometimes criticizing women for being “too big” physically or socially. It also appears in infantilizing phrases like “big girl” or “big boy” with gendered overtones.
Use “big” carefully when describing people, avoiding body-shaming or gendered double standards. Prefer more precise terms for achievements or roles (e.g., “senior,” “high-impact”) instead of vague “big man/big woman” language.
["large","major","significant","high-impact"]
Women who took on “big” public roles were often criticized for stepping outside prescribed gender norms despite their contributions.
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