Greater

ˈɡreɪtər

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonSize/Amount
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Larger in size, amount, or importance than something else; more significant.

ˈɡreɪtər

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Size/Amount

Of a considerable or relatively large size, extent, or degree

The greater threat to their business was cybercrime.

💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friend are comparing ice cream scoops. If your scoop is bigger, then your ice cream has the greater amount! Greater means something is bigger, more important, or more significant than something else.

👶 For kids: It's like when you have a bigger toy than your friend!

More Examples

2

He showed greater commitment to the project than the other employees.

3

The greater the risk, the greater the reward.

How It's Used

General

"The greater part of the city was destroyed."

Mathematics

"7 is greater than 4."

2

Of superior quality or importance; more important.

ˈɡreɪtər

adjectivepositivemedium
Importance/Significance

More advanced or important than someone else

She wanted a greater role in the company.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're talking about someone who's really good at something, like a famous athlete or a brilliant scientist. They might be considered 'greater' than others in their field because of their skills and achievements.

👶 For kids: It's like being the best at something.

More Examples

2

He has a greater understanding of the problem.

3

A greater appreciation of music is needed to succeed in the music industry.

How It's Used

Social

"The greater minds of the time influenced philosophical thought."

Tip:Think of someone being a 'great' leader or artist, they are greater in influence.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

greater good

The benefit or welfare of most people, especially when considered as a whole.

"The politician argued that the tax increase was necessary for the greater good of society."

From Middle English *greter*, from Old English *grēatra*, comparative of *grēat* ('great').

Originally used in Old English, evolving to its modern form with modifications in the Middle English period.

Memory tip

Think of the 'great' wall, something that is greater in size.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"Large, important"

greater impactgreater understandinggreater riskgreater degreegreater extent

Common misspellings

gretergreather

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written