Elephantine - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Elephantine means resembling or characteristic of an elephant, especially in being large, heavy, or clumsy. It is often used metaphorically to describe something massive or unwieldy.
Definition:
Extremely large, heavy, or clumsy, resembling an elephant in size or characteristics.
Synonyms:
gigantic, colossal, massive, enormous
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
tiny, small, petite
Common Collocations:
elephantine size, elephantine strength, elephantine memory
Derivatives:
elephantinely, elephantinism
Usage Tips:
Use "elephantine" to describe something unusually large or cumbersome, often with a negative connotation.
Common Phrases:
elephantine task, elephantine proportions, elephantine grace
Etymology:
Derived from "elephant," from Greek "elephas," meaning ivory or elephant; suffix "-ine" denotes resemblance.
Examples:
- 1. The elephantine statue towered over the park visitors.
- 2. Her suitcase was so heavy it felt almost elephantine to carry.
- 3. The project’s scope was elephantine and overwhelmed the team.
- 4. His movements were slow and elephantine after the long flight.