Great

Definition

Great is an adjective, adverb, and noun. As an adjective, it describes something of significant size, quality, or importance. As an adverb (used informally), it means “very well” or “excellently.” As a noun, it refers to distinguished or remarkable individuals or events.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Adverb (informal)
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡreɪt/
• Respelling: GRAYT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡreɪt/
• Respelling: GRAYT

Etymology

The word "great" originates from Old English "grēat," meaning "big, coarse, or thick." It is derived from Proto-Germanic "*grautaz," which means "coarse or rough." Over time, the term evolved to signify excellence or importance in addition to size or magnitude.

Derivatives

• Greatness (noun)
• Greatly (adverb)
• Greater (adjective, comparative)
• Greatest (adjective, superlative)
• Greathearted (adjective)

Synonyms

• Excellent
• Remarkable
• Significant

Antonyms

• Small
• Inferior
• Unimportant

Usage

The adjective "great" is used to express magnitude, quality, or admiration, e.g., "He has done a great job." As an adverb, it appears in informal speech like "The event went great!" The noun form is used to denote notable individuals, e.g., "The literary greats of the 20th century."

Related Terms

• Magnitude: The size or extent of something.
• Excellence: The quality of being outstanding or extremely good.
• Prominence: The state of being important or famous.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Of significant size, amount, or intensity: Refers to something large in scale.
  • Example: "The great mountains towered above the valley."
• Excellent or outstanding: Describes something of exceptional quality.
  • Example: "She gave a great performance in the play."
• Important or notable: Used to emphasize significance.
  • Example: "He was a great leader in his time."

Adverb (Informal)

• Very well or excellently: Refers to doing something successfully.
  • Example: "You’re doing great at your new job!"

Noun

• A distinguished or remarkable individual: Refers to someone notable in a specific field.
  • Example: "She studied the works of the literary greats."