3 syllables: Gi, gan, tic. Stress on gan.
jeye-GAN-tik
/dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/
Gigantic is pronounced jeye-GAN-tik (/dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/). It has three syllables (Gi-gan-tic), with the stress on "gan". Gigantic is an adjective meaning extremely large in size, scale, or degree; it denotes something far larger than ordinary. In usage, it emphasizes enormity and impact, often in a dramatic or hyperbolic sense. (2-4 sentences, concise definition).
nounGigantic is an adjective meaning extremely large in size, scale, or degree; it denotes something far larger than ordinary. In usage, it emphasizes enormity and impact, often in a dramatic or hyperbolic sense. (2-4 sentences, concise definition)
"The new stadium is gigantic, able to seat tens of thousands of fans."
"They faced a gigantic challenge that required innovative solutions."
"The statue stood on the hill, a gigantic silhouette against the sky."
Pronounce as /dʒɪˈɡæn.tɪk/. The stress is on the second syllable: gi-GAN-tic. Start with a light, voiced post-alveolar affricate /dʒ/ as in journalist, then a short /ɪ/ before the stressed /ˈɡæn/ with /æ/ as in bad, followed by /tɪk/. In US and UK practice, the final /k/ is released crisply. For audio reference, imagine a standard American pronunciation of 'gigantic' available on major pronunciation resources. IPA references: US /dʒɪˈɡæn.tɪk/, UK /dʒɪˈɡæn.tɪk/, AU /dʒɪˈɡæn.tɪk/.
Common errors: (1) Misplacing stress on the first syllable as GI-gan-tic, which flattens the word; (2) Suspending the /t/ as a flap or soft release, producing /dʒɪˈɡæntɪk/ or /dʒɪˈɡæŋkɪk/; (3) Slurring the final /t/ into /ɾ/ or /d/; correction: keep the /t/ clean before the final /ɪk/, and articulate a crisp /t/ with a light release. Practice with slowed tempo, then normal speed while maintaining the /ˈɡæn/ stressed syllable.
US/UK/AU share /dʒɪˈɡæn.tɪk/ with primary stress on the second syllable. Differences lie in rhoticity and vowel quality: US tends to rhotic /ɹ/ in connected speech and a slightly shorter /æ/ before /n/; UK often has a shorter /æ/ and a more clipped /t/; AU mirrors US but with a more centralized /ɪ/ in some speakers. The final syllable maintains /tɪk/ across accents, though Australians may have a glottalization tendency in rapid speech.
The difficulty centers on the mid-stress placement and the tense /æ/ vs /ə/ alternation in rapid speech, plus crisp /t/ articulation before /ɪk/. Tips: practice the sequence /ɪ/ → /ˈɡæn/ with a light /t/ release, resist adding extra vowel length, and keep the mouth in an efficient position for the alveolar stop. Visualize the mouth as starting with /dʒ/ at the front, moving to a strong /æ/ vowel, then releasing with a precise /t/ before /ɪk/.
A common Gigantic-specific nuance is the optional voiceless aspiration on the final /k/ in careful careful speech. In careful speech you may notice a stronger release: /dʒɪˈɡæn.tɪkʰ/. In more casual speech, the final /k/ may be unreleased or lightly aspirated. Maintaining the strong /æ/ before the nasal? Actually before /t/; ensure the /æ/ is distinct and never merges with /n/ in rapid speech.
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Gigantic comes from the late Latin giganticus, from Greek gigas (gigant-), meaning a giant or huge being. The root gigs (gig-/*gigas) is linked to mythic Titans and giants in Greek literature, and the suffix -antic derives from Latin -anticus, forming adjectives. The term was borrowed into English in the 17th century to describe things of immense size or scale, often with a sense of awe or exaggeration. Over time, it broadened from literal physical size to abstract magnitude (e.g., gigantic ambitions, gigantic profits). The evolution mirrors a common pattern in English where words tied to mythic or ancient figures acquire intensified, dramatic meanings in modern usage. First known use in print traces to early modern English, aligning with scientific and literary explorations that sought to convey vast, overwhelming mass or impact.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Gigantic" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Gigantic"
-tic sounds
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