Main Entry: ¹great

Pronunciation: \ˈgrāt, Southern also ˈgre(ə)t\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English grete, from Old English grēat; akin to Old High German grōz large

Date: before 12th century

1 a : notably large in size : huge b : of a kind characterized by relative largeness —used in plant and animal names c : elaborate, ample <great detail>
2 a : large in number or measure : numerous <great multitudes> b : predominant <the great majority>
3 : remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness <great bloodshed>
4 : full of emotion <great with anger>
5 a : eminent, distinguished <a great poet> b : chief or preeminent over others —often used in titles <Lord Great Chamberlain> c : aristocratic, grand <great ladies>
6 : long continued <a great while>
7 : principal, main <a reception in the great hall>
8 : more remote in a family relationship by a single generation than a specified relative <great-grandfather>
9 : markedly superior in character or quality; especially : noble <great of soul>
10 a : remarkably skilled <great at tennis> b : marked by enthusiasm : keen <great on science fiction>
11 —used as a generalized term of approval <had a great time> <it was just great>

— great·ness noun