B2 adjective #49 よく出る 8分で読める

monstrous

When we say something is monstrous, it means it is very, very big, like a giant monster in a story.

It can also mean something looks very ugly or scary.

Sometimes, we use it to describe something that is very bad or mean, like a very unfair rule.

It helps us show that something is much bigger or worse than normal.

Imagine something so big or so ugly that it surprises or even scares you. That's what monstrous can mean. Think of a very, very large spider, or a building that looks truly terrible.

It can also describe something very bad or unfair. For example, a monstrous lie is a huge lie, and a monstrous crime is something very cruel. It helps us understand when something is much worse or bigger than normal.

The adjective "monstrous" at a C2 level transcends its literal meaning of merely large or frightening. It's employed to convey an overwhelming sense of aberration, something so profoundly out of the ordinary that it evokes a feeling of shock or revulsion.

Beyond physical description, "monstrous" is powerfully used to describe abstract concepts such as injustice, cruelty, or error, highlighting their extreme and unacceptable nature.

For instance, one might speak of a "monstrous lie" to denote a falsehood of such magnitude it distorts reality, or a "monstrous injustice" to describe an act so unfair it offends all moral sensibilities.

This usage emphasizes not just the severity but the fundamentally unnatural or distorted quality of the noun it modifies.

§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news

The word "monstrous" is a powerful adjective that you'll encounter in various contexts, particularly when discussing things that are remarkably large, frightening, or ethically reprehensible. It's often used to evoke strong emotions and emphasize the extraordinary nature of a subject. Understanding its usage across different environments can help you grasp its nuances.

§ In News and Journalism

In news reporting, "monstrous" is frequently employed to describe events, crimes, or natural disasters that are exceptionally severe or shocking. Journalists use it to convey the gravity of a situation and to elicit a strong reaction from readers. For example, a journalist might describe a natural disaster as a "monstrous storm" to highlight its destructive power, or a heinous crime as a "monstrous act" to underscore its cruelty.

The recent earthquake left a monstrous trail of destruction in its wake.

It can also be used to characterize political or social issues that are considered profoundly unfair or unjust. When a policy is described as "monstrous," it suggests a deep moral objection to its nature or consequences. This usage aims to rally public opinion and draw attention to perceived injustices.

Critics argued that the new tax law was a monstrous burden on low-income families.

§ In Literature and Storytelling

In literature, "monstrous" is a vivid descriptive word used to create imagery and build atmosphere. Authors use it to describe creatures, landscapes, or even abstract concepts that are terrifying or overwhelmingly grand. From gothic novels to fantasy epics, the word helps to paint a picture of something beyond ordinary human experience.

The ancient dragon was a truly monstrous beast, its scales shimmering in the moonlight.

Beyond physical appearance, authors can use "monstrous" to describe character flaws, moral failings, or the consequences of evil actions. This metaphorical usage deepens the emotional impact of the narrative and helps readers understand the depth of a character's depravity or the tragic scale of an event.

His betrayal was a monstrous act that shattered their friendship.

§ In Everyday Conversation (less common, but impactful)

While not as common in casual conversation as in news or literature, "monstrous" can be used to express extreme disapproval or shock. If someone describes a bill as a "monstrous expense," they are conveying that it is outrageously high. Similarly, describing a task as "monstrous" indicates it is overwhelmingly difficult or unpleasant.

The amount of homework I have tonight is simply monstrous!

Its use in everyday speech often carries a slightly dramatic tone, emphasizing the speaker's strong feelings about something. It's a way to express that something goes beyond what is normal or acceptable.

That traffic jam was monstrous – took me two hours to go five miles!

§ Academic and Formal Writing

In academic or formal writing, "monstrous" is used with precision to describe phenomena that are exceptionally large, complex, or ethically problematic. For instance, a researcher might discuss a "monstrous dataset" to emphasize its vast size and the challenges it presents for analysis, or a philosopher might refer to a "monstrous injustice" in a historical context.

The project involved a monstrous amount of data processing.

It is often used to highlight the overwhelming scale or the severe implications of an issue, making the argument more impactful and memorable. However, in formal settings, it's crucial to ensure that the word choice is justified by the context to maintain a scholarly tone.

Historians continue to debate the monstrous consequences of that war.

§ Understanding Nuances of "Monstrous"

The strength of "monstrous" lies in its ability to convey an extreme degree of something, whether it's size, ugliness, fear, or moral depravity. It's more than just "very big" or "very bad"; it suggests something unnatural, overwhelming, or profoundly disturbing. Its effectiveness comes from its evocative power, drawing on the imagery of monsters to describe things that are far outside the norm.

Synonyms
Enormous, gigantic, colossal, hideous, grotesque, dreadful, appalling, outrageous, heinous, atrocious.
Antonyms
Tiny, miniature, beautiful, pleasant, benevolent, just, fair.

The context in which "monstrous" is used is crucial for understanding its precise meaning. A "monstrous appetite" implies an extremely large appetite, while a "monstrous lie" implies a shockingly evil or cruel deception. Always consider the surrounding words and the overall tone to fully grasp the intended impact of this powerful adjective.

§ Mistakes people make with this word

The adjective "monstrous" is a powerful word, and like many powerful words, it can be misused if its nuances aren't fully understood. While it generally conveys something extremely large, hideous, or shockingly cruel, people often make several common mistakes when using it. Let's explore these mistakes and how to avoid them to ensure you use "monstrous" effectively and accurately.

§ Mistake 1: Overuse or using it for mild negativity

One of the most frequent errors is using "monstrous" to describe something that is merely bad, unpleasant, or inconvenient, rather than truly egregious or horrifying. "Monstrous" implies an extreme degree of negativity, often evoking a sense of shock, horror, or overwhelming scale. Using it for minor issues can dilute its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated or insincere.

Incorrect: "The traffic was monstrous this morning."

Correct: "The traffic was terrible/horrendous/atrocious this morning."

💡
Reserve "monstrous" for situations where there's a genuine element of horror, extreme size, or profound evil. For less intense negative situations, choose words like "terrible," "horrible," "awful," or "dreadful."

§ Mistake 2: Confusing it with simply 'very large'

While "monstrous" can indeed mean extremely large, it often carries an additional connotation of being unnaturally or frighteningly large, or perhaps grotesque in its size. Simply using it to mean "very large" without any negative or abnormal implication can miss the full scope of the word's meaning.

Incorrect: "He bought a monstrous house with ten bedrooms." (Unless the house was frighteningly huge or ugly)

Correct: "He bought an enormous/huge/massive house with ten bedrooms."

Correct use (with negative connotation): "The monstrous shadow loomed over the city, instilling fear."

💡
When describing size, consider if there's an accompanying sense of dread, ugliness, or unnaturalness. If not, simpler adjectives like "enormous," "gigantic," or "colossal" might be more appropriate.

§ Mistake 3: Misapplying it to abstract concepts without strong moral weight

"Monstrous" is often used for abstract concepts, particularly when describing actions, injustices, or ideas that are shockingly evil, cruel, or unfair. However, it's a mistake to use it for abstract concepts that are merely difficult, complex, or undesirable, but lack that profound moral or ethical transgression.

Incorrect: "Solving this math problem is a monstrous task."

Correct: "Solving this math problem is a daunting/challenging/arduous task."

Correct use (with moral weight): "The dictator's regime committed monstrous human rights abuses."

💡
For abstract concepts, consider if the situation involves extreme injustice, cruelty, or evil. If it's merely difficult or unpleasant, other adjectives will be more precise.

§ Mistake 4: Using it interchangeably with 'ugly'

While "monstrous" can certainly describe something hideous in appearance, it's not a direct synonym for "ugly." "Monstrous" often implies a level of ugliness that is shocking, grotesque, or even supernatural, going beyond mere unattractiveness. An object can be ugly without being monstrous, and something monstrous is almost always ugly, but with a heightened degree of repulsion.

Incorrect: "That painting is monstrous." (Unless it's truly horrifying or grotesquely distorted)

Correct: "That painting is ugly/hideous/unattractive."

Correct use (with heightened repulsion): "The creature's monstrous form was a nightmare to behold."

💡
When describing appearance, use "monstrous" when the ugliness is so extreme it's terrifying, unnatural, or truly grotesque. For everyday unattractiveness, stick to simpler terms.

§ Key Takeaways for using "monstrous"

  • Intensity: "Monstrous" is a high-intensity word. Use it when you want to convey an extreme degree of size, ugliness, or moral turpitude.
  • Connotation: It almost always carries a negative connotation, often implying fear, horror, shock, or severe disapproval.
  • Context is Crucial: Always consider the context. Is the situation genuinely so awful, huge, or hideous that it warrants such a strong descriptor?
  • Synonyms: If "monstrous" feels too strong, consider alternatives like:
    • For size: enormous, gigantic, colossal, immense, massive.
    • For ugliness: hideous, grotesque, repulsive, ghastly.
    • For cruelty/evil: heinous, atrocious, egregious, barbaric, wicked.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can master the use of "monstrous" and employ its powerful descriptive qualities to their fullest effect in your English communication, ensuring your message is both impactful and precise.

知っておくべき文法

Adjectives typically precede the nouns they modify. For example, 'a monstrous spider'.

The monstrous waves crashed against the shore.

Adjectives can follow linking verbs (such as 'to be', 'seem', 'appear', 'become') to describe the subject. For example, 'The injustice seemed monstrous'.

His cruelty was monstrous.

Adjectives can be modified by adverbs of degree (e.g., 'very', 'extremely', 'quite', 'so') to intensify or lessen their meaning. For example, 'an extremely monstrous lie'.

The task felt incredibly monstrous.

When an adjective is used to describe something shocking or unfair, it often conveys a strong negative judgment or emotional response. For example, 'monstrous unfairness'.

It was a monstrous act of betrayal.

The adjective 'monstrous' can be used informally to exaggerate the size or difficulty of something. For example, 'a monstrous amount of work'.

I had a monstrous headache after studying all night.

レベル別の例文

1

The waves were so monstrous that the small boat struggled to stay afloat.

Las olas eran tan monstruosas que el pequeño bote luchó por mantenerse a flote.

Here, 'monstrous' describes the extreme size and power of the waves.

2

He had a monstrous appetite and could eat an entire pizza by himself.

Tenía un apetito monstruoso y podía comer una pizza entera él solo.

'Monstrous' emphasizes the unusually large and overwhelming nature of his appetite.

3

The company's monstrous profits came at the expense of its underpaid workers.

Las monstruosas ganancias de la empresa se lograron a expensas de sus trabajadores mal pagados.

In this context, 'monstrous' highlights the shockingly large and unfair nature of the profits.

4

They discovered a monstrous creature living in the deep caves.

Descubrieron una criatura monstruosa viviendo en las profundas cuevas.

Here, 'monstrous' refers to the hideous and frightening appearance of the creature.

5

It was a monstrous injustice that the innocent man was sent to prison.

Fue una injusticia monstruosa que el hombre inocente fuera enviado a prisión.

'Monstrous' conveys the shocking and cruel nature of the injustice.

6

The ancient tree had monstrous roots that stretched for many meters.

El árbol antiguo tenía raíces monstruosas que se extendían por muchos metros.

This use of 'monstrous' describes the extremely large size of the tree's roots.

7

The dictator's monstrous acts were condemned by the international community.

Los actos monstruosos del dictador fueron condenados por la comunidad internacional.

'Monstrous' here emphasizes the evil and cruel nature of the dictator's actions.

8

She faced a monstrous challenge in trying to complete the project on time.

Ella enfrentó un desafío monstruoso al intentar completar el proyecto a tiempo.

In this sentence, 'monstrous' describes the overwhelming and daunting nature of the challenge.

1

The company faced monstrous losses after the financial scandal.

Gigantische Verluste, monstruosas pérdidas

Here, 'monstrous' describes the magnitude of the losses, emphasizing their extreme size and negative impact.

2

He described the new skyscraper as a monstrous concrete block, ruining the city's skyline.

Monströser Betonklotz, un bloque de hormigón monstruoso

In this context, 'monstrous' conveys a sense of something overwhelmingly large and aesthetically displeasing, even frightening in its scale.

3

The dictator's monstrous acts against his own people shocked the international community.

Monströse Taten, actos monstruosos

Here, 'monstrous' highlights the extreme cruelty and evil nature of the dictator's actions.

4

The ancient tales spoke of monstrous beasts lurking in the deepest parts of the ocean.

Monströse Bestien, bestias monstruosas

This usage of 'monstrous' refers to creatures that are terrifying and often unnatural in appearance or size.

5

She harbored a monstrous secret that weighed heavily on her conscience.

Ein monströses Geheimnis, un secreto monstruoso

In this sentence, 'monstrous' describes the secret as something extremely significant, perhaps shocking or morally reprehensible, in its nature.

6

The cost of the project became monstrous, far exceeding their initial budget.

Die Kosten wurden monströs, el costo se volvió monstruoso

Here, 'monstrous' emphasizes the overwhelming and excessive nature of the project's cost.

7

Critics denounced the new policy as a monstrous injustice to the underprivileged.

Monströse Ungerechtigkeit, una injusticia monstruosa

This use of 'monstrous' highlights the shocking and unfair nature of the policy, implying a severe moral wrong.

8

The artist created a monstrous sculpture that dominated the entire exhibition hall.

Eine monströse Skulptur, una escultura monstruosa

In this example, 'monstrous' refers to the sculpture's enormous size and imposing presence.

1

The architect's design for the new skyscraper was monstrous, dominating the city's skyline with its imposing height and unusual angles.

The skyscraper was so big and strangely shaped it looked monstrous, overpowering the city view.

Here, 'monstrous' describes something extremely large and imposing, similar to 'colossal' or 'gargantuan'.

2

Witnessing the monstrous injustice perpetrated against the innocent villagers, the human rights activist vowed to dedicate her life to seeking redress.

Seeing the huge unfairness against the villagers, the activist promised to fix it.

In this context, 'monstrous' emphasizes the shocking and overwhelming nature of the injustice, akin to 'atrocious' or 'egregious'.

3

The artist's latest sculpture was a monstrous amalgamation of discarded metal and circuit boards, creating a disturbing yet captivating figure.

The artist's sculpture was a huge, disturbing mix of old metal and circuits.

Here, 'monstrous' describes something frightening or hideous in appearance, evoking a sense of the grotesque.

4

Despite the monstrous challenges they faced, the team persevered, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their shared vision.

Even with the huge problems, the team kept going, showing strong dedication.

When used with 'challenges', 'monstrous' signifies extreme difficulty or overwhelming scale, similar to 'formidable' or 'insurmountable'.

5

The dictator's monstrous disregard for human life led to widespread condemnation and calls for international intervention.

The dictator's awful lack of care for human life caused global anger and demands for help.

In this instance, 'monstrous' highlights the shocking cruelty and evil nature of the disregard, similar to 'atrocious' or 'heinous'.

6

The economic crisis unleashed a monstrous wave of unemployment, leaving countless families struggling to survive.

The economy crash caused a huge rise in joblessness, making many families struggle.

Here, 'monstrous' describes something overwhelmingly large and devastating, comparable to 'cataclysmic' or 'devastating'.

7

He possessed a monstrous ego, which prevented him from acknowledging his mistakes or accepting constructive criticism.

He had a huge ego, which stopped him from admitting his errors or taking advice.

When paired with 'ego', 'monstrous' implies an excessive and detrimental sense of self-importance, similar to 'gargantuan' or 'inflated'.

8

The ancient legend spoke of a monstrous beast that dwelled in the darkest depths of the forest, striking fear into the hearts of all who dared to venture near.

The old story told of a huge, scary animal living deep in the forest, frightening anyone who went close.

In this classic usage, 'monstrous' refers to something frightening and hideous in appearance, aligning with its more literal meaning.

よく使う組み合わせ

monstrous size
monstrous ego
monstrous crime
monstrous injustice
monstrous appetite
monstrous lie
monstrous figure
monstrous wave
monstrous task
monstrous expense

よく使うフレーズ

a monstrous waste of time

a monstrous amount of work

commit a monstrous act

face a monstrous challenge

have a monstrous temper

reveal a monstrous secret

suffer a monstrous defeat

overcome a monstrous obstacle

a monstrous failure of justice

grow to a monstrous size

慣用句と表現

"a monstrous lie"

A terrible and shocking falsehood.

The politician was accused of telling a monstrous lie to the public.

neutral

"a monstrous injustice"

An extremely unfair or unjust situation.

The verdict in the trial was considered a monstrous injustice by many.

neutral

"a monstrous appetite"

An extremely large appetite.

He developed a monstrous appetite after a long day of hiking.

neutral

"a monstrous task"

A very difficult or overwhelming task.

Cleaning out the entire attic proved to be a monstrous task.

neutral

"a monstrous ego"

An excessively large or inflated sense of self-importance.

His monstrous ego made it difficult for him to accept criticism.

neutral

"monstrous good"

Surprisingly or extraordinarily good (often with a hint of irony).

Despite its simple appearance, the food was monstrous good.

informal

"a monstrous amount"

An extremely large quantity of something.

They had a monstrous amount of work to do before the deadline.

neutral

"monstrously difficult"

Extremely challenging.

The exam was monstrously difficult, and many students struggled.

neutral

"monstrously unfair"

Excessively unjust or inequitable.

It was monstrously unfair that she was blamed for something she didn't do.

neutral

"a monstrous burden"

A very heavy or oppressive responsibility or difficulty.

The financial strain became a monstrous burden on the family.

neutral

使い方

The adjective "monstrous" is used to describe something that is notably large, ugly, frightening, or evil. It's often employed to add emphasis, suggesting something is unnaturally or overwhelmingly so. It can refer to physical attributes:

  • "The monstrous waves crashed against the shore."
  • "He saw a monstrous creature emerge from the depths."
It can also describe abstract concepts or actions, highlighting their severe or shocking nature:
  • "The company was accused of monstrous greed."
  • "It was a monstrous injustice that he was fired."
While it can sometimes be used to simply mean 'very large', its connotations often lean towards the negative, implying something unpleasant or alarming.

よくある間違い

One common mistake is using "monstrous" in contexts where a simpler adjective like "huge", "enormous", or "terrible" would suffice without the added negative connotation. For example, saying "I had a monstrously good time" might sound odd, as 'monstrously' usually implies something bad. Another error is confusing it with words that describe a monster's appearance specifically (e.g., 'grotesque', 'hideous') but without the broader sense of scale or moral judgment that 'monstrous' can carry. While a monster might be hideous, a 'monstrous' act doesn't necessarily have a physical appearance. Incorrect usage example:

  • "She wore a monstrously beautiful dress." (The negative connotation of 'monstrously' clashes with 'beautiful'.)
Corrected example:
  • "She wore a stunningly beautiful dress."

よくある質問

10 問

Some synonyms for 'monstrous' include gigantic, enormous, colossal, hideous, grotesque, gruesome, atrocious, heinous, outrageous, and appalling.

No, 'monstrous' almost always carries a negative connotation. It's used to describe something that is extremely large in a frightening or overwhelming way, or something that is shockingly evil or unfair.

'Monstrous' is generally considered a more formal word, often used in literature or more descriptive writing. However, it can be used informally to add emphasis.

While 'monstrous' shares the meaning of being very large with 'huge' and 'enormous,' it adds a sense of something being unnatural, frightening, or shocking. 'Huge' and 'enormous' simply refer to size.

Certainly! You could say, 'The architect designed a monstrous building that towered over the city, casting a long shadow.' Here, 'monstrous' emphasizes its overwhelming size.

Absolutely. An example could be, 'The dictator committed monstrous acts against his own people, leading to widespread suffering.' This highlights the shocking cruelty of the actions.

Not always. While it often refers to physical size, it can also describe abstract concepts that are overwhelming or shockingly bad, like 'a monstrous injustice' or 'a monstrous error.'

The word 'monstrous' comes from the Old French 'monstrueus,' meaning 'portentous, marvelous,' which ultimately derives from the Latin 'monstrum,' meaning 'divine omen, monster.'

Yes, 'monstrously' is indeed the adverbial form. You might use it to say something like, 'The task was monstrously difficult,' meaning it was extremely or overwhelmingly difficult.

While not a specific idiom, 'a monstrous injustice' is a very common and powerful phrase used to describe a severe and shocking unfairness. You might also hear 'a monstrous appetite' to describe an incredibly large hunger.

自分をテスト 90 問

multiple choice A1

The ___ cat was very big.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

Monstrous means extremely large or huge. The cat was very big, so 'monstrous' is the best fit.

multiple choice A1

The monster in the story was very ___.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

Monstrous can mean frightening in appearance. A monster is usually frightening, so 'monstrous' describes it well.

multiple choice A1

It was a ___ storm with lots of rain.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

Monstrous can describe something overwhelmingly large or severe. A storm with lots of rain can be described as 'monstrous'.

true false A1

A tiny mouse can be described as monstrous.

正解! おしい! 正解: 間違い

Monstrous means extremely large or frightening. A tiny mouse is small, so it cannot be described as monstrous.

true false A1

A very big and scary dragon can be described as monstrous.

正解! おしい! 正解: 正しい

Monstrous means extremely large and frightening. A big and scary dragon fits this description.

true false A1

A very small flower is monstrous.

正解! おしい! 正解: 間違い

Monstrous means extremely large. A very small flower is not large, so it is not monstrous.

sentence order A1

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: The dog is big

This sentence describes the size of the dog.

sentence order A1

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: It is a small house

This sentence describes the size of the house.

sentence order A1

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: I have a red car

This sentence talks about owning a red car.

listening A2

Listen for how the word 'monstrous' describes the giant's hunger.

正解! おしい! 正解: The giant had a monstrous appetite and ate all the food.
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening A2

Pay attention to the description of the old house.

正解! おしい! 正解: The old house looked monstrous in the dark, with its broken windows and creaking door.
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening A2

Notice how 'monstrous' describes the mistake.

正解! おしい! 正解: It was a monstrous mistake to forget her birthday.
正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

The dog was very big.

Focus: very

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

That was a bad idea.

Focus: bad

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

The cake was huge!

Focus: huge

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing A2

Imagine a very big animal. What does it look like? Write 2-3 sentences.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

The elephant is a big animal. It has a long nose and big ears. It looks strong.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing A2

Think about something that made you feel a little scared, like a loud noise or a shadow. Describe it in 2 sentences.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Last night, I heard a loud noise. It made me jump. I was scared for a moment.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing A2

Write a sentence about something that is unfair.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

It is unfair when my brother gets more candy than me.

正解! おしい! 正解:
reading A2

What did Tom see?

Read this passage:

Tom saw a very big tree. It was much taller than his house. The branches were thick and strong. He thought it was a very old tree.

What did Tom see?

正解! おしい! 正解: a big tree

The passage says 'Tom saw a very big tree.'

正解! おしい! 正解: a big tree

The passage says 'Tom saw a very big tree.'

reading A2

What did the monster have?

Read this passage:

The monster in the story was scary. It had big teeth and red eyes. It lived in a dark cave. Children were afraid to go near the cave.

What did the monster have?

正解! おしい! 正解: big teeth

The passage states, 'It had big teeth and red eyes.'

正解! おしい! 正解: big teeth

The passage states, 'It had big teeth and red eyes.'

reading A2

How did the king treat his people?

Read this passage:

The king was very mean to his people. He took all their food and made them work hard. This made the people very sad. They thought the king was unfair.

How did the king treat his people?

正解! おしい! 正解: meanly

The passage says, 'The king was very mean to his people.'

正解! おしい! 正解: meanly

The passage says, 'The king was very mean to his people.'

multiple choice B1

The giant had a ______ appetite, eating an entire cow for breakfast.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

The word 'monstrous' here means extremely large, which fits the context of eating an entire cow.

multiple choice B1

The old house looked ______ in the dark, with its broken windows and creaking door.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

In this sentence, 'monstrous' describes something frightening in appearance, which suits an old, broken house in the dark.

multiple choice B1

It was a ______ injustice that he was punished for something he didn't do.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

Here, 'monstrous' is used to describe something shockingly unfair, like a severe injustice.

true false B1

A 'monstrous' spider would probably be very small.

正解! おしい! 正解: 間違い

If a spider is described as 'monstrous', it means it is extremely large, not very small.

true false B1

If someone commits a 'monstrous' act, it means they have done something very kind.

正解! おしい! 正解: 間違い

A 'monstrous' act refers to something shockingly evil or cruel, not kind.

true false B1

The word 'monstrous' can be used to describe something that is extremely frightening.

正解! おしい! 正解: 正しい

Yes, 'monstrous' can describe something frightening in appearance.

listening B1

Think about the size and power of the waves.

正解! おしい! 正解: The monstrous waves crashed against the shore during the storm.
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening B1

Consider the severity and unfairness being described.

正解! おしい! 正解: He described the monstrous injustice of the situation.
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening B1

Focus on how the house looked.

正解! おしい! 正解: The old house had a monstrous, intimidating appearance.
正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Can you describe something that you would consider monstrous?

Focus: monstrous

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Talk about a time when you saw or heard about something monstrous.

Focus: monstrous

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

In your opinion, what makes something monstrous?

Focus: monstrous

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing B1

Describe a monstrous creature from a fairy tale. What does it look like, and what does it do?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

In the story, there was a monstrous dragon. It had huge wings and scales like armor. It breathed fire and guarded a treasure, scaring everyone who came near. Its roar was so loud it made the ground shake.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing B1

Imagine a situation where someone's actions are described as 'monstrous.' What did they do, and why was it so bad?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

The company's decision to close the factory without any warning was monstrous. Many people lost their jobs and couldn't pay their bills. It was a very unfair and cruel thing to do to their loyal employees.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing B1

Write a short paragraph about a very large and impressive natural feature (like a mountain or a waterfall) and use the word 'monstrous' to describe its size.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

We hiked for hours until we finally saw the waterfall. It was truly monstrous, with water crashing down from a great height. The sound was deafening, and the spray created a permanent rainbow. It was an amazing sight.

正解! おしい! 正解:
reading B1

What kind of beast is mentioned in the passage?

Read this passage:

The old castle stood on a hill, its dark towers reaching into the sky. Locals whispered stories of a monstrous beast that lived in the castle's deepest dungeon, its roars echoing through the night. No one dared to go near the castle after dark, fearing what might emerge.

What kind of beast is mentioned in the passage?

正解! おしい! 正解: A monstrous creature

The passage states, 'Locals whispered stories of a monstrous beast that lived in the castle's deepest dungeon.'

正解! おしい! 正解: A monstrous creature

The passage states, 'Locals whispered stories of a monstrous beast that lived in the castle's deepest dungeon.'

reading B1

What is the main issue described in the passage?

Read this passage:

The city faced a monstrous traffic jam every morning, making people late for work and causing a lot of frustration. The problem had grown worse over the years, and solutions were hard to find.

What is the main issue described in the passage?

正解! おしい! 正解: A monstrous traffic jam

The passage clearly states, 'The city faced a monstrous traffic jam every morning.'

正解! おしい! 正解: A monstrous traffic jam

The passage clearly states, 'The city faced a monstrous traffic jam every morning.'

reading B1

What is one characteristic of the giant squid mentioned in the passage?

Read this passage:

The giant squid is a mysterious creature that lives deep in the ocean. Some stories describe it as having monstrous eyes and long, powerful tentacles, making it a truly fearsome sight.

What is one characteristic of the giant squid mentioned in the passage?

正解! おしい! 正解: Monstrous eyes

The passage says the giant squid is described as having 'monstrous eyes and long, powerful tentacles.'

正解! おしい! 正解: Monstrous eyes

The passage says the giant squid is described as having 'monstrous eyes and long, powerful tentacles.'

fill blank B2

The abandoned castle had a ___ appearance, with crumbling walls and dark, empty windows.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

The word 'monstrous' describes something frightening or hideous, which fits the context of an abandoned, crumbling castle.

fill blank B2

The company faced a ___ lawsuit after being accused of unethical business practices.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

'Monstrous' can describe something shockingly unfair or cruel, such as a major lawsuit for unethical practices.

fill blank B2

From the airplane, the mountains looked like ___ giants stretching across the landscape.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

'Monstrous' can mean extremely large, which is appropriate for describing mountains from a high altitude.

fill blank B2

The decision to cut funding for essential social programs was widely seen as a ___ injustice.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

'Monstrous' fits here to emphasize the shocking and unfair nature of cutting essential funding.

fill blank B2

He was accused of committing a ___ act of cruelty against the helpless animals.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

'Monstrous' is used to describe something shockingly cruel or evil, which aligns with an act of cruelty against animals.

fill blank B2

The scientist discovered a new species of insect with a truly ___ size, unlike anything seen before.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

Here, 'monstrous' refers to an extremely large size, emphasizing its unusual and overwhelming nature.

sentence order B2

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: The giant waves were a monstrous sight.

This sentence describes extremely large waves using 'monstrous'.

sentence order B2

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: He made a monstrous mistake in the negotiations.

This sentence uses 'monstrous' to emphasize the overwhelming nature of the mistake.

sentence order B2

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: The monstrous injustice of the law shocked everyone.

This sentence uses 'monstrous' to describe something shockingly unfair.

listening C1

Listen for the word that describes the scale of the damage.

正解! おしい! 正解: The sheer scale of the environmental damage caused by the oil spill was truly monstrous.
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening C1

Focus on the word describing her indifference.

正解! おしい! 正解: Her monstrous indifference to the suffering of others shocked everyone who knew her.
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening C1

Pay attention to the word describing the design.

正解! おしい! 正解: The architect unveiled a monstrous design that dwarfed all surrounding buildings.
正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

The company faced a monstrous task of rebuilding its reputation after the scandal.

Focus: monstrous

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

He described the injustice as a monstrous betrayal of public trust.

Focus: betrayal, monstrous

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

The discovery of the ancient, monstrous creature sent shivers down their spines.

Focus: ancient, monstrous, creature

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing C1

Describe a 'monstrous' injustice you've either witnessed or read about. Focus on detailing the aspects that made it so overwhelmingly unfair or cruel.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

The monstrous injustice of historical land dispossession continues to haunt many indigenous communities. The sheer scale of ancestral territories forcibly taken, often through deceptive treaties or outright violence, represents an overwhelming act of cruelty. This systemic unfairness has had cascading effects, leading to cultural erosion, economic disenfranchisement, and a deep-seated intergenerational trauma that speaks to the profound magnitude of the original wrong.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing C1

Imagine a 'monstrous' architectural structure. Detail its appearance and explain how its size or design evokes a sense of awe or dread.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

The ancient ziggurat, a monstrous edifice of crumbling stone and earth, seemed to claw at the sky. Its colossal base spanned acres, each ascending terrace diminishing in size until the apex was lost in perpetual cloud cover. The sheer scale and the dark, weathered stone evoked an unsettling sense of dread, as if the structure itself was a sleeping behemoth, while its monumental effort of construction inspired a profound, almost fearful awe at the forgotten civilization that built it.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing C1

Write a short paragraph about a 'monstrous' challenge or obstacle faced by humanity, such as climate change or a pandemic. Explain why it is considered 'monstrous'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Climate change presents a truly monstrous challenge to humanity, not just because of its catastrophic potential, but due to its overwhelming global scale and interconnected complexities. The threat of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecological collapse is so vast and pervasive that it often feels insurmountable, demanding unprecedented international cooperation and systemic shifts to even begin to mitigate its monstrous impact.

正解! おしい! 正解:
reading C1

What aspect of the CEO's decision primarily led to it being described as 'monstrous'?

Read this passage:

The CEO's decision to lay off a third of the workforce, despite record profits, was seen as a monstrous act of corporate greed. The suddenness and the sheer number of families affected by this callous move highlighted the company's monstrous disregard for human welfare, sparking widespread condemnation from unions and the public alike. Many felt it betrayed a fundamental lack of empathy.

What aspect of the CEO's decision primarily led to it being described as 'monstrous'?

正解! おしい! 正解: The suddenness and the number of people affected despite company profits.

The passage explicitly states that 'The suddenness and the sheer number of families affected by this callous move highlighted the company's monstrous disregard for human welfare,' directly linking the 'monstrous' nature to the impact on the workforce despite profits.

正解! おしい! 正解: The suddenness and the number of people affected despite company profits.

The passage explicitly states that 'The suddenness and the sheer number of families affected by this callous move highlighted the company's monstrous disregard for human welfare,' directly linking the 'monstrous' nature to the impact on the workforce despite profits.

reading C1

What quality of the factory is emphasized by the word 'monstrous' in this context?

Read this passage:

The old factory stood derelict for decades, its monstrous, decaying silhouette dominating the town's skyline. Rusting metal girders twisted skyward like skeletal fingers, and shattered windows stared out like empty eyes. The sheer scale of the abandonment, coupled with its grim aesthetic, instilled a sense of unease in anyone who passed by, a stark reminder of industrial decline.

What quality of the factory is emphasized by the word 'monstrous' in this context?

正解! おしい! 正解: Its overwhelming and unsettling appearance due to decay and size.

The passage describes the factory's 'monstrous, decaying silhouette' and mentions 'the sheer scale of the abandonment, coupled with its grim aesthetic,' indicating that its size and decaying appearance make it unsettling and overwhelming.

正解! おしい! 正解: Its overwhelming and unsettling appearance due to decay and size.

The passage describes the factory's 'monstrous, decaying silhouette' and mentions 'the sheer scale of the abandonment, coupled with its grim aesthetic,' indicating that its size and decaying appearance make it unsettling and overwhelming.

reading C1

In the context of the passage, why is the conspiracy described as 'monstrous'?

Read this passage:

Reports emerged of a monstrous conspiracy to rig the election, involving high-ranking officials and an elaborate network of fraudulent activities. The sheer audacity and the potential for widespread damage to democratic institutions made the allegations particularly disturbing. If proven true, it would represent a monstrous subversion of public trust and the democratic process itself.

In the context of the passage, why is the conspiracy described as 'monstrous'?

正解! おしい! 正解: Due to its overwhelming scale, audacity, and potential to undermine democracy.

The passage highlights 'The sheer audacity and the potential for widespread damage to democratic institutions' and states it would be a 'monstrous subversion of public trust,' linking the word to the conspiracy's significant and damaging nature.

正解! おしい! 正解: Due to its overwhelming scale, audacity, and potential to undermine democracy.

The passage highlights 'The sheer audacity and the potential for widespread damage to democratic institutions' and states it would be a 'monstrous subversion of public trust,' linking the word to the conspiracy's significant and damaging nature.

sentence order C1

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: The magnitude of the injustice was monstrously appalling.

This sentence uses 'monstrous' to emphasize the extreme degree of the injustice.

sentence order C1

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: He had undertaken a monstrous task to complete.

Here, 'monstrous' describes the overwhelming difficulty or size of the task.

sentence order C1

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: The monstrous shadow was cast by the figure.

In this sentence, 'monstrous' refers to the large and possibly frightening appearance of the shadow.

fill blank C2

The CEO's decision to lay off thousands of employees without warning was seen as a truly ___ act, sparking widespread outrage.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

The context describes an act that is shockingly cruel and unfair, which aligns with the definition of 'monstrous'.

fill blank C2

The architect's design for the new skyscraper was so avant-garde that many critics initially deemed it a ___ aberration in the city's classic skyline.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

An 'aberration' suggests something unnatural or overwhelmingly out of place, making 'monstrous' the best fit to describe its shocking appearance.

fill blank C2

Despite its outward beauty, the ancient temple held a dark secret, rumored to be the dwelling place of a ___ beast that guarded its treasures.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

The term 'beast' combined with 'dark secret' and 'guarded its treasures' implies something frightening and possibly hideous, aligning with 'monstrous'.

fill blank C2

The novel depicted a dystopian future where a ___ bureaucracy controlled every aspect of citizens' lives, crushing individual freedoms.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

A bureaucracy that 'controlled every aspect of citizens' lives, crushing individual freedoms' can be described as overwhelmingly unfair and cruel, hence 'monstrous'.

fill blank C2

The sheer scale of the environmental damage caused by the oil spill was a truly ___ spectacle, devastating marine ecosystems for decades.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

The phrase 'sheer scale' and 'devastating marine ecosystems' suggests something extremely large and overwhelming in a negative way, making 'monstrous' appropriate.

fill blank C2

He was accused of orchestrating a ___ fraud that embezzled millions from unsuspecting investors, leading to their financial ruin.

正解! おしい! 正解: monstrous

A fraud that 'embezzled millions' and led to 'financial ruin' is shockingly evil and cruel, fitting the definition of 'monstrous'.

listening C2

Consider the scale and complexity of the vision.

正解! おしい! 正解: The architect's vision was so ambitious, it verged on the monstrous, requiring unprecedented engineering feats.
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening C2

Think about the overwhelming nature of the bureaucracy.

正解! おしい! 正解: Facing the monstrous bureaucracy, their attempts to secure funding felt like an endless battle against an unseen enemy.
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening C2

Focus on the severe and challenging aspects of the dilemmas.

正解! おしい! 正解: The novel delves into the monstrous ethical dilemmas posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.
正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

Despite the monstrous challenges, the team persevered, demonstrating remarkable resilience.

Focus: monstrous challenges

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

The corporation's monstrous appetite for expansion led to widespread environmental degradation.

Focus: monstrous appetite

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

He described the injustice as monstrous, a blatant disregard for human rights and dignity.

Focus: monstrous injustice

正解! おしい! 正解:
sentence order C2

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: The monstrous inequality in wealth distribution demands immediate global attention.

This sentence structure emphasizes the 'monstrous' nature of wealth inequality as the subject demanding attention.

sentence order C2

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: Despite the monstrous challenges they faced, their resolve remained unshaken.

The phrase 'monstrous challenges' acts as an adverbial clause, setting up the main clause about unwavering resolve.

sentence order C2

下の単語をタップして文を組み立てよう
正解! おしい! 正解: The architect's design for the new skyscraper was monstrous in its scale and ambition.

This sentence uses 'monstrous' to describe the sheer size and daring nature of the architectural design.

/ 90 correct

Perfect score!

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