Gargantuan vs. Leviathan — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
Gargantuan describes something of immense size or volume, while Leviathan refers to something large and powerful, often used metaphorically.
Difference Between Gargantuan and Leviathan
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gargantuan originates from the French word "Gargantua," denoting something of extraordinary size, typically in a physical or metaphorical sense. On the other hand, Leviathan has biblical origins and describes a massive sea creature, symbolizing overwhelming power or size.
Gargantuan is often used to describe objects or quantities, emphasizing enormity in a somewhat exaggerated manner. Whereas, Leviathan is used to refer to entities (like corporations or governments) that are not only huge but also dominant or influential.
In literature, gargantuan might describe characters, meals, or creatures that are incredibly large, adding a humorous or hyperbolic tone. On the other hand, Leviathan is used in contexts that evoke awe or fear, suitable for describing formidable adversaries or challenges.
While "gargantuan" is purely descriptive, focusing on size, "Leviathan" carries connotations of power and might, often embodying authority and control in various narratives.
In modern usage, gargantuan has a broad application across various fields, from gastronomy to astronomy. In contrast, Leviathan is more specialized, frequently used in political, economic, and theological discussions to describe vast forces or structures.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
French ("Gargantua")
Hebrew (Biblical)
Primary Usage
Describing immense size
Describing large, powerful entities
Tone
Often humorous or hyperbolic
Serious, often awe-inspiring or menacing
Typical Contexts
Literature, everyday speech
Political science, economics, theology
Symbolic Meaning
Exaggeration of physical size
Power, dominance, and authority
Compare with Definitions
Gargantuan
Exaggeratedly huge in description.
The tale featured a gargantuan beast that blocked the sun.
Leviathan
A symbol of immense size and fear.
The monstrous leviathan of war loomed over the horizon.
Gargantuan
Monumentally massive.
The building's gargantuan pillars could be seen miles away.
Leviathan
Something very large and powerful.
The corporation was a leviathan in the tech industry.
Gargantuan
Extremely large.
The gargantuan pizza was too big to fit on the table.
Leviathan
A vast sea creature, often mythical.
Sailors feared the leviathan lurking in the fog.
Gargantuan
Immense in scale or degree.
The project required a gargantuan amount of work.
Leviathan
Metaphor for great influence or authority.
In the novel, the government was depicted as a controlling leviathan.
Gargantuan
Colossally voluminous.
He had a gargantuan appetite.
Leviathan
Overwhelmingly dominant.
His presence in the room was like that of a leviathan.
Gargantuan
Of immense size, extent, or quantity.
Leviathan
Leviathan (; לִוְיָתָן, Līvəyāṯān) is a creature with the form of a sea serpent in Judaism. It is referenced in several books of the Hebrew Bible, including Psalms, the Book of Job, the Book of Isaiah, and the Book of Amos; it is also mentioned in the apocryphal Book of Enoch.
Gargantuan
Of exceedingly great scope or nature
A gargantuan effort.
Leviathan
Something unusually large of its kind, especially a ship.
Gargantuan
Huge; immense; tremendous.
Leviathan
A very large animal, especially a whale.
Gargantuan
(obsolete) Of the giant Gargantua or his appetite.
Leviathan
A monstrous sea creature mentioned in the Bible.
Gargantuan
Characteristic of Gargantua, a gigantic, wonderful personage; enormous; prodigious; inordinate.
Leviathan
A vast sea monster of tremendous strength, described as the most powerful and dangerous creature in the ocean.
Gargantuan
Of great mass; huge and bulky;
A jumbo jet
Jumbo shrimp
Leviathan
(figuratively) Something monstrously large or mighty in size, strength, wealth, etc.
Leviathan
The political state, especially a domineering and totalitarian one as theorized by Thomas Hobbes.
Leviathan
Very large; gargantuan.
Leviathan
An aquatic animal, described in the book of Job, ch. xli., and mentioned in other passages of Scripture.
Leviathan
The whale, or a great whale.
Leviathan
The largest or most massive thing of its kind;
It was a leviathan among redwoods
They were assigned the leviathan of textbooks
Leviathan
Monstrous sea creature symbolizing evil in the Old Testament
Common Curiosities
Is Leviathan always related to water?
Originally yes, but metaphorically, it can refer to any large, dominating force.
Can gargantuan be used to describe quantities?
Yes, gargantuan can describe very large quantities or degrees.
How do you use gargantuan in a sentence?
The gargantuan tree towered over the tiny cottage.
What is a Leviathan in biblical terms?
In the Bible, Leviathan is described as a powerful sea creature.
What is the difference between gargantuan and gigantic?
Gargantuan often implies a humorous exaggeration, while gigantic is more straightforward.
What does gargantuan mean?
Gargantuan means extremely large or enormous.
Is gargantuan positive or negative?
It can be either, depending on context.
Does Leviathan have a positive or negative connotation?
Often negative, suggesting overwhelming control or menace.
What type of imagery is associated with Leviathan?
Leviathan often evokes images of vastness and power.
Can Leviathan be used to describe a person?
Metaphorically, yes, to denote someone with substantial influence.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
