Great Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
great
[ษกreษชt ]
Definitions
feeling or showing admiration
Of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above the normal or average; very large
Synonyms
enormous, huge, large, massive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| great |
Used to describe something extremely good or very large in a non-physical sense. Commonly used to express admiration or approval.
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| large |
Used for describing something big in size or quantity. More neutral compared to 'huge' or 'enormous'.
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| huge |
Similar to enormous, often used for physical size but can also describe non-physical things such as luck or responsibility.
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| massive |
Used to describe something that is very large and solid or heavy. It often implies a sense of heaviness or bulk.
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| enormous |
Used to describe something very large in size, with a sense of awe or surprise. Often used for physical objects or quantities.
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Examples of usage
- The great size of the cathedral
- The great intensity of the storm
of ability or quality
Of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above the normal or average
Synonyms
excellent, exceptional, outstanding, superb.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| great |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe something good or satisfactory. It's informal and versatile.
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| excellent |
Used to describe something of very high quality or superior. It's often used in formal contexts.
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| outstanding |
Used to highlight something that is remarkable or significantly better than average. It has a slightly stronger connotation than 'excellent'.
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| exceptional |
Describes something or someone that stands out due to being unusually good or extraordinary. Often used in academic or professional settings.
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| superb |
Employed to describe something extremely good or impressive. It can be used both formally and informally.
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Examples of usage
- He achieved great success in his career
- She is a great artist
to a great extent
Very well; excellently
Synonyms
excellently, well, wonderfully.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| great |
This word can be used to describe something of high quality, positive emotion, or agreeability. It is often used informally in conversations among friends.
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| well |
This word is versatile and can describe a state of being, an action performed effectively, or an agreement. It is commonly used in both casual and formal settings.
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| excellently |
This word is more formal and is typically used to commend someone or something in a professional or academic setting.
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| wonderfully |
This word is used to describe something that gives a sense of delight or amazement. It often carries a positive and sometimes poetic connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She plays the piano great
- He speaks English great
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Famous works often use the term in titles, such as 'The Great Gatsby,' emphasizing importance and distinction.
- Greatness in characters often symbolizes heroism or virtue, showcasing ideal traits in storytelling.
- Shakespeare used the word frequently, exploring themes of greatness in both tragedy and comedy.
History
- Alexander the Great was a historical figure who created one of the largest empires in the ancient world, forever linking the term with leadership.
- The 'Great Society' programs of the 1960s aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice in the United States, showcasing a sociopolitical use of the term.
- The Great Wall of China is a monumental structure that emphasizes the word in terms of size, engineering, and historical significance.
Pop Culture
- The term is often used in songs and movies to convey positive feelings; think of the hit song 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' where greatness elevates emotions.
- In modern slang, 'great' can also be used sarcastically, especially in memes, to convey a situation that is not great at all.
- 'Great' appears in many popular phrases, such as 'great minds think alike,' highlighting collaboration.
Origin of 'great'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Old English 'great,' which meant 'big' or 'large.'
- Related to the Proto-Germanic word '*grautaz,' meaning 'to grow,' reflecting size and importance.
- In Middle English, it was spelled as 'gret,' gradually evolving to its current form.
The word 'great' has its origin in the Old English word 'grฤat', which meant 'big in size'. Over time, the word evolved to also express admiration, quality, or extent. Throughout history, 'great' has been used to describe things that are exceptional, outstanding, or of high quality.