capacious

Capacious is an adjective that describes something with a large amount of space or capacity. It can refer to physical objects, such as a capacious suitcase or chest, as well as to abstract domains, such as a capacious memory or imagination. In both senses, the word emphasizes breadth, extent, and the ability to contain or accommodate substantial content.

Etymology: Capacious comes from the Latin capax, meaning capable of holding, via Old French into English. The adjective form with the suffix -ous was established in English in the early modern period. The related noun capaciousness denotes the quality of being capacious.

Usage: In everyday writing, capacious tends to describe generous physical space or a figuratively expansive mind. It is slightly more formal or literary than synonyms like roomy or spacious. Examples include: “The capacious trunk held all the camping gear,” and “Her capacious mind welcomed a flood of ideas.” The word can also apply to containers, rooms, or other receptacles that are notably large.

Related terms: Synonyms include roomy, spacious, ample, extensive, and voluminous. Antonyms include cramped, narrow, and constricted. The noun form capaciousness is used to denote the quality of being capacious, while capacity is related but more general, referring to the maximum amount something can contain or the ability to do something.