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gewaltig
huge
Of very great size, strength, or intensity; enormous or impressive.
example
Der Elefant hinterließ gewaltige Spuren im weichen Boden.
The elephant left huge tracks in the soft ground.
gewaltig
huge / tremendous
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'gewaltig' (huge/tremendous) is derived from the noun 'die Gewalt' in the sense of 'power' or 'force'. So it describes something that has the size or effect of a great force, and does not mean 'violent'.
EXAMPLE
Der Sturm hatte eine gewaltige Kraft.
The storm had tremendous force.
Use as an adverb
'Gewaltig' (tremendously) can be used like an adverb to intensify a verb or another adjective. In this function, it means colloquially 'very' or 'enormously'.
EXAMPLE
Du hast dich seit unserem letzten Treffen gewaltig verändert.
You've changed tremendously since our last meeting.
Typical collocations
As an adjective, 'gewaltig' (huge) often describes things of great scale. Common combinations are 'ein gewaltiger Unterschied' (a huge difference), 'ein gewaltiger Druck' (tremendous pressure), or 'eine gewaltige Aufgabe' (a huge task).
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den beiden Meinungen gibt es einen gewaltigen Unterschied.
There is a huge difference between the two opinions.
Compare with
gewaltig vs sehr
very
'sehr' and 'gewaltig' can both express strong intensity. 'sehr' is general and neutral. 'gewaltig' sounds stronger and often more impressive. It fits especially when something is large, strong, or clearly noticeable, for example 'ein gewaltiger Unterschied' (a huge difference) or 'gewaltig viel Arbeit' (a tremendous amount of work). As an intensifier, 'gewaltig' is not as general as 'sehr'. You use it more when you want to show that something seems really large or intense.
gewaltig
Wegen der Prüfung lernt sie gewaltig viel.
Because of the exam, she is studying a tremendous amount.
sehr
Wir unterstützen das Projekt heute sehr gern.
We are very happy to support the project today.
In real life
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