English Profile

big · adjective

/bɪg/Full view

big (SIZE)

A1 large in size or amount

Dictionary examples:

He's a big man.

Could I try these shoes in a bigger size?

I had a great big piece of chocolate cake.

A thousand people took part in the county's biggest ever bike race.

Learner example:

I got [a lot of] presents: CDs, DVDs, photos, clothes and a big blue bear. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

your big brother/sister

A2 your older brother/sister

Dictionary example:

My big sister is coming to pick me up.

Learner example:

It was giv[en] to me by my big brother and I loved it. (Key English Test; A2; Arabic)

big (IMPORTANT)

A2 important or serious

Dictionary examples:

He had a big decision to make.

There's a big difference between starting a business and just talking about it.

The big story in the news this week is the governor's resignation.

The four biggest communications companies declared higher then expected profits.

Learner example:

But there was a very big problem: she has a boyfriend. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

big (SUCCESSFUL)

C1 successful or popular

Dictionary example:

The program's been a big hit with young children.

Learner example:

Of course, the many traditional craft stalls were a big hit also, and the[re] were hardly any [things] left! (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)