What does mighty mean?
Mighty is an adjective meaning powerful, strong, imposing, or exceptionally important. In ordinary formal writing, it often describes something whose scale or influence commands attention: a mighty fortress, a mighty force, or a mighty leader. The word can also convey grandeur or suggest that something is formidable, rather than merely physically large. In informal regional English, especially in phrases such as “mighty hard” or “mighty good,” it means very or extremely and may express admiration, difficulty, or plain emphasis. Related forms include mightily, mightier, mightiest, and mightiness. Although “the mighty” can serve as a literary collective noun for powerful people, mighty is principally an adjective. Its long history connects it with the Old English word for might or power, explaining the persistent association between the adjective and extraordinary strength or authority.
Having great power, strength, influence, or importance; impressively strong or imposing.
"The city was built around a mighty cathedral."
Formal and literary in its sense of great power or grandeur; also used informally as an intensifier in regional speech.
Very or extremely, especially in informal or regional usage.
"The climb was mighty steep."
Informal and especially common in regional English; somewhat more common in speech than in formal writing.
People who are powerful, prominent, or in a position of authority, collectively.
"The mighty gathered at the palace to discuss the crisis."
Usually plural and literary, used in the expression “the mighty”.
Mighty preserves the same Germanic root found in might and the Germanic forms meaning “powerful,” linking strength, authority, and grandeur across languages.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mighty come from?
Mighty derives from Old English mihtig, meaning powerful or strong, which was formed from miht, “might, power.” The word continued into Middle English in its modern form. Its relatives include German mächtig and Dutch machtig, while “might” preserves the related English noun; “almighty” is another familiar English derivative from the same semantic tradition.
Related word forms
How mighty is actually used
In its literal sense, mighty is formal or literary and often suggests impressive power or grandeur. The intensified, informal sense, as in “mighty tough,” is especially associated with regional and conversational English. The noun use “the mighty” usually refers collectively to powerful or prominent people and has a literary or rhetorical tone.
Easily confused with mighty
Might is a noun meaning power or strength, whereas mighty is primarily an adjective describing something as powerful, strong, or great.