larger-than-life

American  

[lahr-jer-thuhn-lahyf] / ˈlɑr dʒər ðənˈlaɪf /

adjective

1. exceedingly imposing, impressive, or memorable, especially in appearance or forcefulness.

   a larger-than-life leader.

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larger-than-life British  

adjective

1. exceptionally striking or colourful

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Etymology

Origin of larger-than-life

First recorded in 1945–50

Explanation

When something is larger-than-life, it seems more important or fascinating than anything else around it. An actor who is mild mannered and shy in person can seem larger-than-life when she's on the stage. You can use this term for something that's actually larger than usual, like Michelangelo's larger-than-life statue "David," which is three times as tall as the average man. It's also a good way to describe someone who is so flashy and flamboyant that they just seem to take up extra room: "My larger-than-life cousin makes every family gathering much more interesting."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

larger-than-life

Keith Richards is one of those larger-than-life characters who has decades of recorded history behind him.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

He has become a legend at the club with more still to give, but it is his bubbly, larger-than-life character that sets him apart from most.

From BBC ● Jun. 11, 2026

In an era dominated by hyper-violent blockbusters and larger-than-life action spectacles, Indian filmmaker Imtiaz Ali believes young audiences are searching for something deeper -- love that lasts.

From Barron's ● Jun. 10, 2026

Other scenes place him in iconic locations around the world or transform him into a larger-than-life figure woven into famous landmarks and historical imagery.

From Salon ● Jun. 6, 2026

His testimony had caused so much anguish for Walter and his family that I had created a larger-than-life image of him.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson