Someone or something that is large in stature
"The researcher stepped into her big before entering the sterile lab to avoid cross-contamination from other samples."
One or more kinds of barley, especially six-rowed barley.
A biological insulation garment; an air-tight, full-body suit intended to prevent the spread of contaminants.
In plain English: A big is a large amount of something, often used to describe a huge number or quantity.
"He had a big idea that would change the world."
Usage: Do not use "big" as a noun to refer to protective suits; that specific meaning belongs to the word "bibs." Instead, reserve "big" as an adjective to describe large size or extent.
To praise, recommend, or promote.
"The whales big their feeding grounds for months at a time before migrating south."
to inhabit; occupy
In plain English: To big something means to make it larger or more impressive by adding extra features.
"The construction company will soon big up the new shopping center in the city."
Usage: Big is rarely used as a verb in modern English and should generally be avoided in favor of clear alternatives like "inhabit," "occupy," or "reside." When describing where someone lives or works, use these standard verbs instead of the archaic phrasing "he bigs there."
exhibiting self-importance
"big talk"
feeling self-importance
"too big for his britches"
"had a swelled head"
"he was swelled with pride"
(of animals) fully developed
"an adult animal"
"a grown woman"
generous and understanding and tolerant
"a heart big enough to hold no grudges"
"that's very big of you to be so forgiving"
"a large and generous spirit"
"a large heart"
"magnanimous toward his enemies"
given or giving freely
"was a big tipper"
"the bounteous goodness of God"
"bountiful compliments"
"a freehanded host"
"a handsome allowance"
"Saturday's child is loving and giving"
"a liberal backer of the arts"
"a munificent gift"
"her fond and openhanded grandfather"
Of great size, large.
"The elephant was so big that it completely blocked the narrow path through the forest."
In plain English: Big means something is very large or huge compared to other things.
Usage: Use "big" to describe physical dimensions or general magnitude when you want a simple, informal term. It works well for objects like a big house or abstract concepts like a big problem, avoiding the need for more specific measurements.
In a loud manner.
"He shouted out his answer so big that everyone in the room jumped."
In plain English: Big means doing something to an extreme degree or with great intensity.
"She really big wants to see her friend again."
Usage: Although "big" is primarily an adjective, it occasionally functions as an adverb in informal speech to mean speaking or acting loudly and forcefully. You should avoid using it this way in formal writing and instead choose words like "loudly," "vocally," or "boisterously."
Abbreviation of business is a game.
"Big is not actually an abbreviation for business, so no such sentence exists to demonstrate that definition."
The word big likely traveled from a dialect of Old Norse into Northern Middle English, where it originally meant "powerful" or "strong." Its ultimate roots may lie in Proto-Germanic terms for swelling, suggesting a connection to words like bogey and bugbear.