magnitud
nounCEFR B2
What does “magnitud” mean in English?
magnitude — the great size or extent of something; also the measure of a physical quantity
magnitude — the great size or extent of something; also the measure of a physical quantity (de gran magnitud; magnitud sísmica)
Example sentences
Todavía no se comprende en toda su magnitud el impacto que tendrá la IA en el mercado laboral.
The full magnitude of the impact that AI will have on the labour market is still not understood.
El terremoto alcanzó una magnitud de 7,2 en la escala de Richter y causó daños considerables.
The earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale and caused considerable damage.
El escándalo fue un problema de primera magnitud para el partido, que tardó meses en recuperarse.
The scandal was a problem of the first magnitude for the party, which took months to recover.
How to use it
La magnitud (noun, feminine) means 'magnitude' or 'scale' — the great size, extent, or importance of something. Key collocations: de gran magnitud; magnitud sísmica (seismic magnitude); magnitud del problema; comprender en toda su magnitud. In physics and astronomy, magnitud is a precise technical term (magnitud absoluta/aparente of stars). The phrase de primera magnitud (of the first order/magnitude) is a fixed formal expression meaning 'of the highest importance'.
Common mistake
Magnitud (scale/extent) ≠ tamaño (physical size). En toda su magnitud = in its full extent/scope. De gran magnitud = of great scale. Nota: in seismology and astronomy, magnitud is the standard technical term in Spanish. Do not use *magnitud to mean 'greatness of a person' — for that, use grandeza.