C1nounformalscienceacademic
US/ˈmæɡ.nɪ.tuːd/
UK/ˈmæɡ.nɪ.tjuːd/
the great size or importance of something; also the strength of an earthquake
In context
Few people understood the magnitude of the financial crisis when it first began.
The report compares the magnitude of the two problems using clear charts.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.5 struck the coast early this morning.
Words that go with magnitude
noun + preposition
- the magnitude ofWe must consider the magnitude of the risk.
- order of magnitudeCosts are an order of magnitude higher in this city.
- magnitude of the problemThe magnitude of the problem became clear in March.
- of great magnitudeThis is a decision of great magnitude for the firm.
adjective + noun
- sheer magnitudeThe sheer magnitude of the project surprised the team.
verb + noun
- underestimate the magnitudeManagers often underestimate the magnitude of change.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
the magnitude of earthquake is 7 degreesCorrect: the earthquake had a magnitude of 7