Basic Details
Word: Elephantine
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Very large or massive; resembling an elephant in size or strength.
Synonyms: Gigantic, enormous, colossal
Antonyms: Tiny, small, minuscule
Idioms and Phrases
- Elephant in the room: A significant issue or problem that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss. Example: "During the meeting, everyone avoided the elephant in the room, which was the budget cuts."
- Like finding a needle in an elephant's trunk: Referring to something that is very difficult to find. Example: "Trying to find my lost wallet in that messy room was like finding a needle in an elephant's trunk."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The elephantine statue in the park wowed all the visitors with its grandeur.
Example 2: Her elephantine appetite meant she always finished her meals before anyone else.
Example 3: The team faced an elephantine challenge when tasked with organising the event in just one week.
Fun Fact
The word "elephantine" comes from the Greek word "elephas," meaning elephant. This reflects the great size and strength associated with elephants, which are among the largest land animals on Earth.
Famous Quote
"The elephant can swim, but it cant squint; there are some things we cant do very well, whether we're small or elephantine." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "elephantine" mean?
a) Very small
b) Very large
c) Very colourful
d) Very intelligent
Answer: b) Very large
2. Which of these is a synonym of "elephantine"?
a) Tiny
b) Gigantic
c) Smart
d) Friendly
Answer: b) Gigantic
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "elephantine"?
a) Huge
b) Enormous
c) Small
d) Colossal
Answer: c) Small
4. Which sentence uses "elephantine" correctly?
a) The elephantine flower was breathtaking and colourful.
b) The elephantine building could be seen from miles away.
c) She wrote an elephantine poem that was very short.
d) The elephantine puppy was playful and adorable.
Answer: b) The elephantine building could be seen from miles away.
5. What is the meaning of the idiom "elephant in the room"?
a) A hidden treasure
b) A significant issue everyone avoids discussing
c) A big celebration
d) A funny animal
Answer: b) A significant issue everyone avoids discussing
