Mountainous
/ˈmaʊntɪnəs/
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by or abounding in mountains; full of or resembling mountains.
/ˈmaʊntɪnəs/
Covered with or full of mountains; resembling a mountain or mountains.
The mountainous landscape was a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
💡 Simply: Imagine a place with lots and lots of big hills and mountains – that's what we call mountainous. It might be hard to walk around because of all the ups and downs!
👶 For kids: Like a place with lots of mountains!
More Examples
The artist captured the beauty of the mountainous scenery in her painting.
The expedition faced harsh conditions in the mountainous terrain.
How It's Used
"The mountainous region provided a stunning backdrop for the village."
"The tour guide described the mountainous terrain as challenging but rewarding."
(Figuratively) Large in scale, quantity, or degree; resembling the imposing size of a mountain.
/ˈmaʊntɪnəs/
Huge or formidable (used figuratively).
The company faced a mountainous task in rebuilding its reputation.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, we use 'mountainous' to mean something is super huge, like a problem that's as big as a mountain! It's difficult to deal with.
👶 For kids: When something is a super big problem or a huge amount of something.
More Examples
The committee had a mountainous workload to complete within the deadline.
The legal battle presented mountainous obstacles for the defendant.
How It's Used
"The company faced mountainous debt after the economic downturn."
"The project had a mountainous list of requirements that needed to be met."
From "mountain" + "-ous" (suffix forming adjectives). "Mountain" itself comes from Old French "montaigne" (mountain), derived from Latin "mons, montis" (mountain).
Used in similar contexts since the early 17th century, with a shift towards figurative usage in more recent times.
Memory tip
Think of a landscape completely dominated by towering peaks – that’s mountainous!
Word Origin
"mountain"