Monumentous vs monumental: which one should you use? It’s a question that many people ask themselves when they want to describe something that is significant or impressive. In this article, we will explore the difference between these two words and when to use them.
We should clarify which of the two words is the proper word to use. The correct word is “monumental.” However, “monumentous” is also a word that is sometimes used interchangeably with “monumental.”
So, what do these words mean? “Monumental” refers to something that is great in size, scope, or importance. It can also mean something that is commemorative or serves as a monument. On the other hand, “monumentous” means something that is highly significant or momentous in nature. It is often used to describe events or occasions that are of great importance.
Now that we have clarified the difference between these two words, let’s explore when to use them. If you want to describe something that is great in size or importance, you should use “monumental.” For example, “The Great Wall of China is a monumental achievement of human engineering.” If you want to describe something that is highly significant or momentous, you should use “monumentous.” For example, “The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a monumentous event in American history.”
Overall, it’s important to use the right word in the right context. By understanding the difference between “monumental” and “monumentous,” you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.
Define Monumentous
Monumentous is an adjective that describes something that is significant or important in a way that is deserving of commemoration or remembrance. It is often used to describe events or achievements that are of great historical or cultural significance.
For example, the invention of the internet can be considered a monumentous achievement in the field of technology, as it has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information. Similarly, the civil rights movement in the United States can be described as monumentous, as it brought about significant social and political change.
Monumentous can also be used to describe something that is physically large or impressive, such as a monument or statue. In this context, it conveys a sense of grandeur and awe.
Define Monumental
Monumental is also an adjective that describes something that is significant or important, but in a slightly different way than monumentous. While monumentous refers to events or achievements that are deserving of commemoration, monumental refers to something that is physically large or impressive.
For example, the Great Wall of China is a monumental feat of engineering, as it stretches for over 13,000 miles and took over 2,000 years to build. The Pyramids of Giza are also monumental structures, as they are some of the largest and most recognizable man-made structures in the world.
Monumental can also be used to describe something that is figuratively large or impressive, such as a monumental task or challenge. In this context, it conveys a sense of difficulty or magnitude.
| Attribute | Monumentous | Monumental |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Significant or important in a way that is deserving of commemoration or remembrance | Physically large or impressive |
| Usage | Events or achievements, monuments or statues | Structures, tasks or challenges |
| Connotation | Historical or cultural significance, grandeur and awe | Difficulty or magnitude |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word can make all the difference in the clarity and impact of your writing. When it comes to the words “monumentous” and “monumental,” it’s important to understand their subtle differences in order to use them correctly.
How To Use “Monumentous” In A Sentence
“Monumentous” is an adjective that means “of great importance, significance, or consequence.” It is often used to describe events, achievements, or decisions that have a profound impact on history or society.
Here are some examples of how to use “monumentous” in a sentence:
- The election of the first female president was a monumentous occasion for women around the world.
- The discovery of a cure for cancer would be a monumentous achievement in the field of medicine.
- The signing of the peace treaty was a monumentous decision that ended the war.
It is important to note that “monumentous” is a less common word than “monumental” and may be seen as more formal or academic in tone.
How To Use “Monumental” In A Sentence
“Monumental” is an adjective that means “great in importance, extent, or size.” It is often used to describe physical objects, such as buildings, statues, or monuments, that are large and impressive.
Here are some examples of how to use “monumental” in a sentence:
- The construction of the Great Wall of China was a monumental feat of engineering.
- The statue of Liberty is a monumental symbol of freedom and democracy.
- The cathedral’s towering spires and intricate carvings are a testament to the monumental skill of its builders.
It is important to note that “monumental” can also be used figuratively to describe something that is impressive or significant in a non-physical sense.
Now that you understand the difference between “monumentous” and “monumental,” you can use these words with confidence and precision in your writing.
More Examples Of Monumentous & Monumental Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use monumentous and monumental in a sentence. These examples will help you understand the differences between the two words and when to use them correctly.
Examples Of Using monumentous In A Sentence
- The birth of a child is a monumentous occasion for any family.
- The discovery of a new planet would be a monumentous achievement for astronomers.
- The invention of the printing press was a monumentous event in human history.
- Winning the championship was a monumentous moment for the team and their fans.
- The signing of the peace treaty marked a monumentous turning point in the war.
- The launch of a new product can be a monumentous occasion for a company.
- The construction of the Great Wall of China was a monumentous undertaking.
- The election of the first female president was a monumentous event for the country.
- The discovery of a cure for cancer would be a monumentous breakthrough in medicine.
- Graduating from college is a monumentous achievement for many students.
Examples Of Using monumental In A Sentence
- The Eiffel Tower is a monumental landmark in Paris.
- The pyramids of Egypt are monumental feats of engineering and architecture.
- The Taj Mahal is a monumental tribute to love and beauty.
- The Grand Canyon is a monumental natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year.
- The Statue of Liberty is a monumental symbol of freedom and democracy.
- The Colosseum in Rome is a monumental structure that has stood for over 2,000 years.
- The Great Barrier Reef is a monumental ecosystem that is home to thousands of species.
- The Sistine Chapel is a monumental masterpiece of art and architecture.
- The Panama Canal is a monumental engineering achievement that changed the course of history.
- The Golden Gate Bridge is a monumental suspension bridge that spans the San Francisco Bay.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words like monumentous and monumental, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, there are significant differences between these two words that should be considered. Here are some common mistakes people make when using monumentous and monumental, along with explanations of why they are incorrect:
Using Monumentous Instead Of Monumental
One of the most common mistakes people make is using the word monumentous instead of monumental. Monumentous is not a word recognized by most dictionaries, and it is often used incorrectly in place of monumental. Monumental refers to something that is massive, impressive, and significant, while monumentous is not a recognized word and should be avoided.
Using Monumental To Describe Something Small
Another mistake people make is using the word monumental to describe something small or insignificant. Monumental is a word that should be reserved for describing things that are truly significant and impressive. Using it to describe something small or insignificant can make the speaker or writer appear ignorant or uneducated.
Offering Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes In The Future
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the difference between these two words. Monumental should be used to describe something that is truly significant and impressive, while monumentous is not a recognized word and should be avoided altogether. It is also important to consider the context in which these words are being used and to ensure that they are being used appropriately.
By being mindful of these common mistakes and taking the time to use words correctly, writers and speakers can communicate more effectively and present themselves as knowledgeable and credible.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “monumentous” and “monumental,” context plays a crucial role. Both words are adjectives that describe something significant or impressive, but the nuances of their meanings can vary depending on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are a few examples of different contexts and how the choice between “monumentous” and “monumental” might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | Appropriate Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | The Taj Mahal is a ________ structure. | Monumental |
| History | The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a ________ moment. | Monumentous |
| Personal Achievement | Graduating from college was a ________ achievement for her. | Monumental |
| Environmental Impact | The construction of the dam had a ________ impact on the ecosystem. | Monumentous |
As you can see from the examples above, the appropriate word choice between “monumentous” and “monumental” can vary depending on the context. In general, “monumental” is often used to describe physical structures or personal achievements, while “monumentous” is often used to describe significant events or impacts.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using monumentous and monumental are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions that should be noted. Below are some examples:
1. Colloquial Usage
In some cases, the colloquial usage of a word may differ from its formal definition. This is true for both monumentous and monumental. While monumental is typically used to describe something of great size or significance, it can also be used colloquially to describe something that is simply impressive or noteworthy. For example:
- “Her performance in the play was monumental”
- “The team’s comeback victory was monumental”
In these cases, monumental is being used to describe something that is impressive or noteworthy, rather than something that is physically large or significant.
2. Regional Differences
There may also be regional differences in how these words are used. For example, in British English, monumentous is more commonly used than in American English. In some cases, monumentous may be used to describe something that is physically large or significant, rather than simply impressive or noteworthy. For example:
- “The monumentous statue towered over the city”
- “The monumentous task of rebuilding the city after the earthquake”
In these cases, monumentous is being used to describe something that is physically large or significant, rather than simply impressive or noteworthy.
3. Contextual Usage
The context in which these words are used can also affect their meaning. For example, if someone were to say “the monumentous decision was made”, it could be interpreted as meaning that the decision was both physically large and significant. However, if someone were to say “the decision was monumental”, it could be interpreted as meaning that the decision was simply significant or impressive.
Overall, while the rules for using monumentous and monumental are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Understanding these exceptions can help ensure that these words are used correctly and effectively in your writing.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have explored the differences between monumentous and monumental, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences. Don’t worry, we’ve included answer keys or explanations for each exercise so you can check your work.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence.
| Sentence | Word Choices |
|---|---|
| The __________ task of climbing Mount Everest was finally accomplished by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. | monumental, monumentous |
| The birth of a child is a __________ event in a family’s life. | monumentous, monumental |
| The construction of the Great Wall of China was a __________ undertaking that spanned centuries. | monumental, monumentous |
| The __________ discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine. | monumentous, monumental |
| The __________ task of cleaning up after the hurricane took weeks to complete. | monumentous, monumental |
Answer Key:
- The monumental task of climbing Mount Everest was finally accomplished by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
- The birth of a child is a monumentous event in a family’s life.
- The construction of the Great Wall of China was a monumental undertaking that spanned centuries.
- The monumentous discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine.
- The monumental task of cleaning up after the hurricane took weeks to complete.
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using each of the words monumentous and monumental correctly.
Answer Key:
- The invention of the internet was a monumentous moment in human history.
- The monumental statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C. is a popular tourist attraction.
By completing these exercises, you should have a better understanding of how to correctly use monumentous and monumental in your writing. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be a master of these two words!
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “monumentous” and “monumental,” it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. “Monumentous” refers to something of great importance or significance, while “monumental” refers to something large or impressive in size or scale.
It is important to use words correctly in order to effectively communicate your message and avoid confusion. By understanding the nuances of language, we can become better writers and communicators.
Key Takeaways
- “Monumentous” and “monumental” have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
- “Monumentous” refers to something of great importance or significance.
- “Monumental” refers to something large or impressive in size or scale.
- Using words correctly is important for effective communication.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can improve our writing skills and become more effective communicators.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.