Greater Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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greater

[หˆษกreษชtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

comparative

Of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above the normal or average.

Synonyms

higher, larger, more extensive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
greater

Use 'greater' when comparing the magnitude or importance of things. It's often used in subjects involving numbers, quantities, or abstract concepts like power, influence, or challenge.

  • His knowledge of the subject is greater than mine.
  • The new version offers greater benefits.
larger

Use 'larger' for comparing the size or extent of physical objects. It focuses primarily on physical dimensions and tangible items.

  • This box is larger than that one.
  • A larger house would be more comfortable for the family.
higher

Use 'higher' when referring to something that is above another in position, level, or amount. It is often related to physical heights, ranks, or degrees.

  • The mountain is higher than the hill.
  • She holds a higher position in the company.
more extensive

Use 'more extensive' when describing something that has a broader scope, range, or coverage. It is often used for abstract concepts, plans, or areas of study.

  • The new policy is more extensive and covers more scenarios.
  • The research requires more extensive data collection.

Examples of usage

  • The greater part of the population lives in urban areas.
  • She showed greater interest in art than in science.
  • The company experienced greater success after implementing the new marketing strategy.
Context #2 | Adverb

comparative

To a larger extent or degree.

Synonyms

to a higher degree, to a larger extent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
greater

Used when comparing two things to indicate that one is larger, more significant, or more intense than the other.

  • The new model provides greater efficiency than the previous one.
  • She has a greater understanding of the subject now.
to a larger extent

This phrase highlights the scope or range of an issue, action, or effect. It is often used in discussions about the scale of something.

  • The policy changes will benefit the community to a larger extent.
  • Climate change impacts agriculture to a larger extent than other industries.
to a higher degree

This phrase emphasizes the intensity or level of a particular quality, often used in more formal or academic settings.

  • His skills have improved to a higher degree than we initially expected.
  • The research shows that stress affects individuals to a higher degree than once thought.

Examples of usage

  • He is capable of running faster and greater distances than his competitors.
  • She performed the task with greater efficiency than her colleagues.
Context #3 | Noun

mathematics

The mathematical symbol >, indicating a difference in size, value, or quantity.

Synonyms

bigger, larger, more.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
greater

Use this word when comparing abstract qualities, or when referring to something of higher degree or intensity.

  • She had greater resilience than anyone else in the group.
  • His achievements are of greater significance.
bigger

This word is best used for comparing physical size or quantity.

  • The new mall is bigger than the old one.
  • She bought a bigger house to accommodate her growing family.
larger

Use 'larger' similarly to 'bigger' when talking about physical size or extent, but it can sometimes be more formal.

  • They moved to a larger city.
  • He ordered a larger coffee.
more

Use this word when talking about numbers, amounts, or frequency.

  • She needs more time to finish the project.
  • We have more apples than we can eat.

Examples of usage

  • In the equation 5 > 3, 5 is greater than 3.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In math, 'greater than' is represented by a symbol (>) that indicates one number is larger than another.
  • The concept of 'greater' is fundamental in comparing numbers, helping us understand values and order.
  • Inequalities in math often use 'greater than' to show the relationship between two quantities.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss 'greater' in terms of moral goodness, pondering what makes an action or being better.
  • The idea of the 'greater good' suggests that decisions should benefit more people rather than just an individual.
  • In many philosophical debates, 'greater' can refer to ideals such as truth, beauty, or justice, implying subjective judgments.

Culture and Society

  • In literature and art, 'greater' often represents aspirations, like a character striving for greatness in their journey.
  • The phrase 'Greater Good' is common in social movements, representing goals that aim to improve community welfare.
  • 'Greater' has appeared in many inspirational quotes, encouraging individuals to seek improvement and excellence.

Origin of 'greater'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'greater' comes from the Old English word 'gretor,' which means 'more' or 'larger.'
  • It is a comparative form of 'great' and is used to compare two or more things.
  • The roots of 'great' can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, where it meant 'big' or 'large.'

The word 'greater' has its origin in Middle English, derived from the combination of 'great' and the suffix '-er'. The concept of comparative degree has been present in language for centuries, allowing for the comparison of quantities, qualities, or sizes. As societies evolved, the need for comparative terms like 'greater' became essential in expressing differences and preferences. Today, 'greater' remains a fundamental word in English, used in various contexts to indicate superiority or increased magnitude.


See also: great, greatest, greatly, greatness.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #362, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.