WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : E*nor"mous
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [L. enormis enormous, out of rule; e out + norma rule: cf. F. ?norme. See Normal.]
Definition : 1. Exceeding the usual rule, norm, or measure; out of due proportion; inordinate; abnormal. "Enormous bliss." Milton. "This enormous state." Shak. "The hoop's enormous size." Jenyns. Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait. Milton.

2. Exceedingly wicked; outrageous; atrocious; monstrous; as, an enormous crime. That detestable profession of a life so enormous. Bale.

Syn. -- Huge; vast; immoderate; immense; excessive; prodigious; monstrous. -- Enormous, Immense, Excessive. We speak of a thing as enormous when it overpasses its ordinary law of existence or far exceeds its proper average or standard, and becomes -- so to speak -- abnormal in its magnitude, degree, etc.; as, a man of enormous strength; a deed of enormous wickedness. Immense expresses somewhat indefinitely an immeasurable quantity or extent. Excessive is applied to what is beyond a just measure or amount, and is always used in an evil; as, enormous size; an enormous crime; an immense expenditure; the expanse of ocean is immense. "Excessive levity and indulgence are ultimately excessive rigor." V. Knox. "Complaisance becomes servitude when it is excessive." La Rochefoucauld (Trans).
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913