The word "vast" is spelled with the letter "v" followed by the letters "a", "s", and "t". The IPA phonetic transcription for "vast" is /væst/. The first sound is a voiced labiodental fricative /v/. The following vowel sound is the short "a" /æ/. The final two sounds are voiceless alveolar fricatives, pronounced by touching the tip of the tongue to the back of the upper teeth /s/ and the ridge behind the teeth /t/. Together, these sounds create the word "vast" with a short "a" sound.
Vast is an adjective that describes something as exceptionally large or extensive in size or scope. It is often used to emphasize the immensity or magnitude of something beyond ordinary proportions.
First and foremost, vast refers to physical dimensions that are expansive and colossal in nature. It denotes an expanse or area that is extensive and seemingly boundless. For example, when discussing the Earth's oceans, one might refer to them as vast bodies of water, highlighting their massive reach and limitless expanse.
Furthermore, vast can describe something with an immense quantity or number. It implies a great amount or magnitude of something, whether it be knowledge, information, or resources. For instance, when talking about an individual's vast wealth, it signifies a large fortune that exceeds the ordinary. Similarly, when referring to a vast library, it suggests an extensive collection of books and a wealth of knowledge.
In addition to physical and quantitative aspects, vast can also convey the idea of something vast in terms of its qualities, significance, or impact. This meaning is often used metaphorically to describe intangible traits or emotions that are profound, far-reaching, or immeasurable. For instance, one might describe a person's vast knowledge as extensively deep and encompassing various domains.
Overall, vast characterizes things that are extraordinarily large, extensive, abundant, significant, or influential, whether in terms of physical dimensions, quantity, or qualities.
Of great extent; very great in bulk, amount, numbers, force, or importance; very spacious; immense.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "vast" originated from the Latin word "vastus", which meant "empty, desolate, or vast". It is believed to derive from the Proto-Indo-European root word *wes-, meaning "empty" or "desolate". The term later evolved in Old French as "vaste", maintaining a similar interpretation of "enormous, extensive, or empty". Over time, the word "vast" has retained its general sense of describing something immense, limitless, or of great extent.