Skip to main content

larger-than-life — having qualities that are more impressive, exciting, or remarkable than those of ordinary people or things

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: having qualities that are more impressive, exciting, or remarkable than those of ordinary people or things

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlɑːrdʒər ðən laɪf/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother was a larger-than-life woman who could make anyone laugh even during her own funeral preparations.
  • The CEO's larger-than-life vision transformed a small startup into a global empire.
  • Even his sneeze was larger-than-life - it could wake up the entire neighborhood.

larger-than-life

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈlɑːrdʒər ðən laɪf/]

having qualities that are more impressive, exciting, or remarkable than those of ordinary people or things

a massive superhero with flowing cape stands confidently with arms crossed, towering over normal-sized people around him. His presence radiates power and charisma that makes him seem almost mythical compared to ordinary citizens. The crowd of people below looks up in awe and wonder at his commanding figure. Their expressions show complete admiration and excitement as they point and stare at this incredible being.  someone having qualities that are more impressive, exciting, and remarkable than those of ordinary people
💡 Concept

a massive superhero with flowing cape stands confidently with arms crossed, towering over normal-sized people around him. His presence radiates power and charisma that makes him seem almost mythical compared to ordinary citizens. The crowd of people below looks up in awe and wonder at his commanding figure. Their expressions show complete admiration and excitement as they point and stare at this incredible being. someone having qualities that are more impressive, exciting, and remarkable than those of ordinary people

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈlɑːrdʒər ðən laɪf/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈlɑːdʒə ðən laɪf/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This phrase originated from the literal meaning of something physically larger than life itself, then evolved into an idiomatic expression describing exceptional personalities or characteristics that transcend ordinariness. The metaphorical extension reflects how outsized physical dimensions came to symbolize extraordinary human presence or influence.

Breakdown

larger (comparative form of 'large', meaning greater in size) + than (conjunction for comparison) + life (noun meaning human existence or the physical world). The compound idiom uses physical magnitude as a metaphor for exceptional or remarkable personal qualities.

🎵Rhyme

life
wife
knife
strife

🔗Collocations

larger-than-life personality
larger-than-life character
larger-than-life figure
larger-than-life presence
larger-than-life image
larger-than-life reputation

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My grandmother was a larger-than-life woman who could make anyone laugh even during her own funeral preparations.”

“The CEO's larger-than-life vision transformed a small startup into a global empire.”

😄 Fun example

“Even his sneeze was larger-than-life - it could wake up the entire neighborhood.”

“The artist's larger-than-life sculptures dominated the entire museum gallery.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.