Greater: meaning, definitions and examples

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greater

[ ˈɡreɪtər ]

Adjective / Adverb / Noun

^{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?

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?

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.

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?

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

Translations of the word "greater" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maior

🇮🇳 बड़ा

🇩🇪 größer

🇮🇩 lebih besar

🇺🇦 більший

🇵🇱 większy

🇯🇵 より大きい

🇫🇷 plus grand

🇪🇸 mayor

🇹🇷 daha büyük

🇰🇷 더 큰

🇸🇦 أكبر

🇨🇿 větší

🇸🇰 väčší

🇨🇳 更大

🇸🇮 večji

🇮🇸 stærri

🇰🇿 үлкенірек

🇬🇪 უფრო დიდი

🇦🇿 daha böyük

🇲🇽 mayor

Etymology

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.

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359 market
360 higher
361 force
362 greater
363 single
364 basis
365 thing
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