Great
/ɡreɪt/
Definitions
4 meaningsLarge in size or degree; considerable.
/ɡreɪt/
Of considerable size, extent, or intensity.
The Grand Canyon is a great natural wonder.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're talking about something BIG! Like, "Wow, that's a great big dog!" or "We made a great effort to win the game."
👶 For kids: Big or very good!
More Examples
She showed great kindness to the homeless man.
The movie was a great success at the box office.
How It's Used
"The great storm caused significant damage."
"He was a great leader of his time."
Of a high quality or standard; very good; excellent.
/ɡreɪt/
Of an admirable or high quality; excellent.
The performance was great.
💡 Simply: When something is awesome, amazing, and you really like it! Like, "That was a great game!" or "I had a great time."
👶 For kids: Very good or wonderful!
More Examples
It's a great day to go for a walk.
She's a great friend.
How It's Used
"The food was great."
"He has a great mind for mathematics."
Of importance, often used with a historical figure or event. Often used to describe someone or something who is widely known or respected.
/ɡreɪt/
Famous or important.
Queen Elizabeth was a great monarch.
💡 Simply: When someone is super famous or made a big impact on the world. Think of someone like Martin Luther King Jr., who was a "great" leader.
👶 For kids: Really important and famous!
More Examples
Einstein was a great scientist.
They were among the great musicians of all time.
How It's Used
"Alexander the Great conquered much of the known world."
"A great scientist made a breakthrough."
Giving pleasure or satisfaction.
/ɡreɪt/
Enjoyable or pleasing.
I had a great day at the beach.
💡 Simply: When something makes you feel happy or excited. Like when you get a great gift or hear some great news.
👶 For kids: Fun and happy!
More Examples
That's great to hear!
The concert was great!
How It's Used
"I had a great time at the party."
"That's great news!"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Great Scott!
An exclamation of surprise or amazement.
"Great Scott, that's unexpected!"
Great minds think alike
Said when two people have the same idea or thought.
"We both suggested the same solution; great minds think alike!"
The Great (adjective)
Used before a noun as a title or description, usually referring to a historical figure or a specific event, place, or thing that achieved a certain level of prominence.
"Alexander the Great"
From Middle English *gret*, *grete*, from Old English *grēat* (“large, big, great”), from Proto-Germanic *gréutaz* (“coarse, large”). Cognate with Dutch *groot* (“large, big”), German *groß* (“large, great”), and Swedish *gryt* (“large, coarse”).
The word 'great' has been used since Old English times, originally signifying 'large' and later evolving to encompass notions of excellence and importance.
Memory tip
Think of a 'great' big house or a 'great' effort.
Word Origin
"large, coarse"