Prodigious
/prəˈdɪdʒ.əs/noun
Remarkably great in size, extent, degree, or ability.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, a prodigium was often treated as a supernatural warning, and reported prodigies could trigger public rituals of appeasement.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deyḱ-
“To point out, show, or indicate”
Proto-Italic
Proto-Italic
*pro-dik-yom
“Something that points forth or reveals a sign”
Ancient Latin
Latin
prodigium
“An omen, portent, or extraordinary sign—often interpreted as a warning from the gods”
Classical Latin
Latin
prodigiosus
“Portentous, marvelous, or characterized by prodigies”
Middle English
English
prodigious
“Wonderful, marvelous, or ominous”
Modern English
English
prodigious
“Extraordinarily great, impressive, or extensive”