Larger-than-life

Describing a person or thing that appears extraordinarily impressive, significant, or exciting; exceeding the ordinary in scale, scope, or impact; often associated with dramatic flair, exceptional charisma, or exaggerated characteristics. This term suggests a figure who commands attention, evokes strong emotions, and leaves a lasting impression. It can be used positively to describe someone admirable or negatively to describe someone excessive or self-aggrandizing. A larger-than-life persona often transcends everyday reality, becoming almost mythic or legendary in nature.

Larger-than-life meaning with examples

• The flamboyant entertainer, with his sequined costumes and outrageous stage presence, possessed a truly larger-than-life persona that captivated audiences worldwide. His concerts were spectacles, blurring the line between performance and pure theatrical experience. He exuded confidence and energy, captivating the spectators in his wake. His energy was boundless, making him the definition of the term.
• Historical figures like Genghis Khan are often remembered as larger-than-life conquerors, whose military campaigns reshaped empires and left an indelible mark on history. The scope of their actions and the impact they had are so extreme, it is only fair to describe them as 'larger-than-life.' Their actions continue to inspire, or horrify, to this day.
• The novel's protagonist, a charismatic detective with a troubled past, became a larger-than-life figure in the minds of readers, his adventures imbued with thrilling suspense and captivating intrigue. His character was an embodiment of everything we look for in heroic stories.
• The politician’s campaign relied heavily on projecting a larger-than-life image of leadership, promising dramatic changes and appealing to the electorate's desire for a strong leader. His rhetoric was as impactful as his ideas, his promises almost too good to be true.