Greatest: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term to refer to someone or something that is the most distinguished or excellent in a particular field or category. It often implies a historical or enduring quality.

• Muhammad Ali is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time.
• The greatest achievement in her career was winning the Nobel Prize.

This word is suitable for indicating the most excellent quality or advantage in a general sense. It is often used in everyday conversation to compare options or choices.

• She is the best student in the class.
• This is the best restaurant in town.

This word is great for informal contexts to describe the highest ranking or most successful position. It's often used in competitive or hierarchical settings.

• He graduated top of his class.
• She is a top player on the team.

This term is used to describe the highest quality or most excellent in a refined, often luxurious manner. It can imply a sense of sophistication or elegance.

• They served the finest wine at the banquet.
• He wore the finest suit to the wedding.

Use this word to denote the highest level of authority, power, or quality. It often carries a tone of utmost importance or command.

• The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country.
• Her performance was of supreme excellence.

Refers to the highest level or degree of something, often used in a general sense to describe outstanding qualities or achievements. Can also denote someone or something better than all others.

• She is considered the greatest artist of her generation.
• Winning the Nobel Prize was his greatest achievement.

Used to specify the highest possible amount, number, or degree of something, usually in a more technical or quantitative context.

• The maximum speed of this car is 200 km/h.
• You can have a maximum of four people in this room.

Describes the highest point or level of something, often in terms of time or physical location. Can refer to both literal and metaphorical peaks.

• He reached the peak of the mountain after six hours of climbing.
• Her career is at its peak right now.

Describes the highest point or stage, particularly the most successful period in someone's life or career. Also can be used in celestial contexts. Often implies an apex from which a decline might follow.

• The singer reached the zenith of her popularity in the early 2000s.
• The sun was at its zenith, shining directly overhead.

Refers to the highest or most successful point or level of something, often used in a more formal or dramatic way. Implies reaching the utmost success or achievement.

• Becoming the CEO was the pinnacle of her career.
• The award-winning film marked the pinnacle of his directing work.

Used to describe someone or something that is superior to all others in a specific area or in general. It often implies a long-standing recognition of superiority.

• Michael Jordan is considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time
• This is one of the greatest movies ever made

Use this to describe someone who guides or directs a group, often implying authority, ability to inspire, and responsibility.

• He is a natural leader who can motivate his team to achieve their goals
• The leader of the expedition made sure everyone was safe

Appropriate for someone who has achieved a high level of skill or expertise in a particular area after years of practice and study.

• He is a master of painting, creating stunning works that captivate viewers
• Cooking this dish correctly requires the skills of a master chef

This word is best used to describe someone who has won a competition or event, often in sports. It implies a formal recognition of victory.

• She is the reigning champion of the tennis tournament
• Our team became the champions after a hard-fought season

This is used to describe someone who is incredibly famous and well-regarded, often long after their achievements. It has a mythical or historical feel.

• Bruce Lee is a legend in martial arts
• The band Queen has become a legend in the music industry