magnitude

noun

mag·​ni·​tude ˈmag-nə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

1

a

: great size or extent

cannot wage a war of such magnitude

—A. N. Whitehead

the magnitude of an earthquake

b(1)

: spatial quality : size

able to operate only over distances of very small magnitude

—G. W. Gray

(2)

: quantity, number

the savings in amounts of metal … will be of dramatically significant magnitudes

—American Fabrics

2

: the importance, quality, or caliber of something

evil of such magnitude as must, if possible, be prevented

—Jane Austen

a writer of first magnitude

—Richard Plant

3

: a number representing the intrinsic (see intrinsic sense 1a) or apparent brightness of a celestial (see celestial entry 1 sense 2) body on a logarithmic scale in which an increase of one unit corresponds to a reduction in the brightness of light by a factor of 2.512

4

: a numerical quantitative measure expressed usually as a multiple of a standard unit

5

: the intensity of an earthquake represented by a number on an arbitrary scale

a magnitude six earthquake

Synonyms

• account
• consequence
• import
• importance
• moment
• momentousness
• significance
• weight
• weightiness

Examples of magnitude in a Sentence

the magnitude of the issue can scarcely be overstated

the mountain's sheer magnitude usually leaves tourists speechless

Recent Examples on the Web

An Africa that would leave our ancestors speechless, unable to comprehend the magnitude of our joy and freedom. —Laurel Dalrymple, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025

In a game of that magnitude, Ferdinand’s point is more valid. —Michael Cox, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025

Mireya Martinez is a Mexican American filmmaker, writer, and producer interested in telling stories that hold the magnitude and contradictions of our humanity. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025

The photos captured the magnitude of the situation and the goodness in humanity that has come from it, and Max’s story of survival has tugged at the heartstrings of animal lovers worldwide. —Dana Feldman, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin magnitudo, from magnus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing magnitude

• absolute magnitude
• apparent magnitude
• order of magnitude

Kids Definition

magnitude

noun

mag·​ni·​tude ˈmag-nə-ˌt(y)üd 

1

a

: great size or extent : bigness

b

: size entry 1 sense 1

2

: the importance of something in influence or effect

3

: degree of brightness

especially : a number representing the brightness of a star

4

: the intensity of an earthquake represented by a number on a scale

Medical Definition

magnitude

noun

mag·​ni·​tude ˈmag-nə-ˌt(y)üd 

: relative size or extent