Definition of “Great”
The word great is an adjective, noun, and adverb with multiple meanings, commonly used to describe something of large size, high quality, importance, or intensity. It can also express enthusiasm or approval.
Primary Meanings:
- Large in size or extent – “The Great Wall of China is a marvel of ancient architecture.”
- Of high quality or excellence – “She is a great pianist.”
- Significant or remarkable – “Winning the championship was a great achievement.”
- Intense or strong – “He felt great joy upon hearing the news.”
- Noble or distinguished – “Alexander the Great was a powerful leader.”
- Used to express enthusiasm – “That’s great news!”
Synonyms of “Great”
Synonyms of “great” vary based on context and intensity. Below is a categorized breakdown:
Strongest Matches (Powerful and Exact Synonyms)
- Excellent
- Outstanding
- Superb
- Tremendous
- Remarkable
- Magnificent
- Exceptional
- Splendid
- Fantastic
- Extraordinary
Strong Matches (Common Synonyms with Similar Impact)
- Impressive
- Amazing
- Wonderful
- Marvelous
- Spectacular
- Phenomenal
- Distinguished
- Significant
- Grand
- Notable
Weak Matches (Less Intense or Context-Specific Synonyms)
- Good
- Fine
- Decent
- Fair
- Acceptable
- Large
- Big
- Considerable
- Appreciable
- Adequate
Example Sentences Using “Great” in Context
- Describing Quality: She gave a great speech at the event.
- Describing Size: A great crowd gathered in the square.
- Describing Intensity: The pain was so great that he had to see a doctor.
- Describing Importance: It was a great moment in history.
- Expressing Enthusiasm: Great! Let’s meet at 5 PM.
Contextual Usage of “Great”
The word “great” is versatile and used in different contexts:
- Formal Usage: “He was a great philosopher of his time.”
- Informal Usage: “That’s great, let’s do it!”
- Comparative Usage: “She is greater than her predecessor in leadership skills.”
- Historical Usage: “The Great Depression had a profound impact on the economy.”
Related Words and Phrases
- Greatness (noun) – The quality of being great
- Grand (adjective) – Impressive in scale or scope
- Monumental (adjective) – Great in historical or cultural significance
- Influential (adjective) – Having a great impact
- Huge (adjective) – Very large in size
- Prominent (adjective) – Standing out as important
Additional Relevant Information
- Idioms & Phrases Using “Great”:
- “A great deal” – A large amount
- “Great minds think alike” – Smart people often have similar ideas
- “With great power comes great responsibility” – Power entails responsibility
- “Great beyond measure” – Extremely outstanding
- Antonyms of “Great”:
- Small
- Minor
- Insignificant
- Ordinary
- Mediocre
Conclusion
The word “great” is a powerful and commonly used term with multiple meanings, ranging from describing excellence to size, intensity, and significance. Understanding its synonyms, usage, and context can improve communication skills and writing effectiveness.
Disclaimer:
This page is for educational purposes only. The synonyms, related words, and examples provided are based on general usage and may not apply in all contexts. Users should refer to authoritative dictionaries for precise definitions and nuanced meanings.
