grandioso
/grahn-DYOH-soh/
magnificent
This magnificent castle illustrates the scale and quality implied by grandioso.
grandioso(Adjective)
magnificent
?describing quality or scale
,splendid
?describing an experience or result
wonderful
?general praise
,great
?high praise
📝 In Action
La orquesta dio un concierto grandioso que duró tres horas.
B1The orchestra gave a magnificent concert that lasted three hours.
Hiciste un trabajo grandioso al organizar todo el evento.
B2You did a splendid job organizing the whole event.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Match
As a descriptive word, 'grandioso' must match the gender of the noun it modifies. Use 'grandiosa' when describing a feminine noun (e.g., la idea grandiosa) and 'grandioso' for a masculine noun (e.g., el palacio grandioso).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Grande and Grandioso
Mistake: "Using 'grande' when you mean truly magnificent or superlative."
Correction: 'Grande' means 'big' or 'great' in a general sense. 'Grandioso' means 'magnificent' or 'splendid,' suggesting a much higher level of quality or impact.
The overly large and impractical crown captures the sense of exaggeration and excessive ambition inherent in the word grandioso when meaning 'grandiose'.
grandioso(Adjective)
grandiose
?overly ambitious or exaggerated
,pompous
?showy and arrogant
overblown
?excessive or exaggerated
📝 In Action
Sus promesas electorales sonaron grandiosas, pero irrealizables.
C1His electoral promises sounded grandiose, but unattainable.
El dictador vivía en un palacio grandioso, construido solo para impresionar.
C2The dictator lived in a grandiose palace, built only to impress.
⭐ Usage Tips
Understanding the Negative Tone
When used in this critical sense, 'grandioso' often implies that something is too big, too expensive, or too showy for its own good—it suggests a lack of sincerity or practicality.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: grandioso
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'grandioso' with a negative, critical meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'grandioso' different from 'grande'?
'Grande' is the basic word for 'big' or 'great.' 'Grandioso' is much stronger; it means 'magnificent' or 'splendid.' If a house is just big, use 'grande.' If it's stunning, architecturally amazing, and impressive, use 'grandiosa.'
Does 'grandioso' always mean something positive?
No. While it usually means 'magnificent,' it can also be used critically (especially in formal speech) to mean 'overly ambitious,' 'exaggerated,' or 'pompous'—suggesting something is impressive in size but perhaps ridiculous or lacking substance.