Definition of tremendous

The word "tremendous" originated in the early 19th century from the Latin word "tremendus," which means "full of terror" or "awesome." This origin is evident in the original meaning of "tremendous" - referring to something that inspires awe, reverence, or fear. In the 19th century, "tremendous" was commonly used to describe powerful natural phenomena, such as thunder, storms, and earthquakes, which could inspire both awe and terror. It was also used to describe any extraordinary or impressive feat, such as the strength of a horse or the height of a building. The meaning of "tremendous" has since evolved, and today it is commonly used to describe anything that is exceptionally large, impressive, or significant. However, its original connotation of awe and reverence remains, and the word is still often used to describe things that inspire wonder or admiration.