Main Entry: ¹grand

Pronunciation: \ˈgrand\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Anglo-French grant, grand, large, great, grand, from Latin grandis

Date: 1548

1 a : having more importance than others : foremost b : having higher rank than others bearing the same general designation <the grand champion>
2 a : inclusive, comprehensive <the grand total of all money paid out> b : definitive, incontrovertible <grand example>
3 : chief, principal
4 : large and striking in size, scope, extent, or conception <grand design>
5 a : lavish, sumptuous <a grand celebration> b : marked by a regal form and dignity c : fine or imposing in appearance or impression d : lofty, sublime <writing in the grand style>
6 a : pretending to social superiority : supercilious b : intended to impress <a person of grand gestures>
7 : very good : wonderful <a grand time>

— grand·ly \ˈgran-(d)lē\ adverb

— grand·ness \ˈgran(d)-nəs\ noun

synonyms grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive. grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity <a grand staircase>. magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste <magnificent paintings>. imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness <an imposing edifice>. stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement <the stately procession>. majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur <a majestic waterfall>. grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience <grandiose hydroelectric projects> but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration <grandiose schemes>.