The word ‘Great’ (adjective) describes something of high quality, importance, or magnitude that inspires admiration or respect. In this guide, you’ll learn the full definition, synonyms, antonyms, etymology, and real-life examples of how to use ‘great’ correctly in sentences.
Great Explained in Depth
A complete and detailed guide to the word ‘Great’ including meaning, definition, examples, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms.
Meanings of Great
Great is a versatile adjective used to describe something or someone that stands out for its quality, size, importance, or impact. It can refer to physical magnitude (a great building), excellence or skill (a great artist), or emotional significance (a great experience). The word can express genuine admiration or excitement, but it can also carry sarcasm depending on the context.
Definition
Great is an adjective that means to a considerable degree above the normal or average; remarkable in magnitude, skill, or quality.
It can describe people, things, actions, or experiences that stand out positively, often signaling that they command respect, praise, or strong approval.
Etymology
The word “great” comes from the Old English word “grēat,” meaning big, coarse, or thick. Its Germanic roots also influenced related forms in other languages (for example, “groot” in Dutch and “groß” in German). Over the centuries, “great” broadened in English to cover not only physical largeness but also metaphorical greatness, including excellence and high importance.
Example Sentences
- He did a great job on his presentation, and the team gave him strong feedback.
- We had a great time at the family reunion, sharing stories and catching up.
- She’s a great leader who inspires others with her vision and steady approach.
- The new report is great—clear, well-organized, and easy to review.
- Oh great, the meeting was moved again at the last minute.
Great Synonyms
- Excellent
- Outstanding
- Remarkable
- Superb
- Impressive
- Exceptional
- Wonderful
- Notable
- Brilliant
- Tremendous
Great Antonyms
- Ordinary
- Poor
- Inferior
- Insignificant
- Minor
- Mediocre
- Small
- Common
- Unremarkable
- Trivial
FAQs about Great
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the word “Great”.
1. What does “great” actually mean?
“Great” means something that is well above average in quality, size, importance, or impact—often conveying admiration or respect.
2. Can “great” describe both people and things?
Yes. “Great” is used for people, things, experiences, and even ideas that are exceptional, admirable, or notably effective.
3. Is “great” always positive?
Almost always, yes. Occasionally, it can be used sarcastically or ironically (for example, “Oh great, it’s raining again”) to show frustration rather than praise.
4. Is “great” too informal for professional writing?
It depends on context. “Great” is widely understood in both formal and informal writing, but in highly formal settings you might choose alternatives like “outstanding” or “superb” for extra precision.
5. What’s the difference between “great” and “good”?
“Good” suggests something meets a standard or is satisfactory. “Great” goes further, indicating that the thing is exceptional, remarkable, or highly admirable.
Explore more G words
Positive words that start with G
Negative words that start with G
Names that start with G
Nouns that start with G
Verbs that start with G
