great

¹great

adjective \ˈgrāt, Southern also ˈgre(ə)t\

Definition of GREAT

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

Examples of GREAT

1. all creatures great and small
2. The project will require a great amount of time and money.
3. The building was restored at great expense.
4. a great quantity of fish
5. The low cost of these products gives them great appeal.
6. There is a very great need for reform.
7. They're in no great hurry to finish.
8. There is a great demand for his services.
9. an actress of great charm
10. Is there any love greater than that between parent and child?

Origin of GREAT

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to GREAT

Synonyms

accomplished, ace, adept, compleat, complete, consummate, crack, crackerjack, educated, experienced, expert, good, proficient, master, masterful, masterly, practiced (also practised), professed, skilled, skillful, versed, veteran, virtuoso

Antonyms

amateur, amateurish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, unprofessional, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful

Related Words

adroit, clever, deft, dexterous (also dextrous), handy, slick, sure-handed; gifted, talented; polished, refined; effective, effectual, efficient, workmanlike; able, capable, competent, employable, fit, fitted, habile, qualified; educated, knowledgeable, schooled, taught, trained, tutored; all-around (also all-round), well-rounded; long-term, old; multiskilled, multitalented

Near Antonyms

incapable, incompetent, inept, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, weak; artless, crude, rude; ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient; talentless, ungifted, untalented; ignorant, unschooled, untaught, untrained, untutored; beginning, green, inexperienced, new, raw, unseasoned, untested, untried, would-be; primitive, rough, unpolished; awkward, clumsy, ham-fisted, ham-handed, heavy-handed

Rhymes with GREAT

ait, bait, bate, blate, cate, crate, date, eight, fate, fete, freight, gait, gate, grate, haet, hate, late, mate, pate, plait, plate, prate, quoit, rate, sate, skate, slate, spate, state, straight, strait, teth, trait, wait, weight

²great

adverb

Definition of GREAT

: in a great manner : successfully, well <things are going great>

Examples of GREAT

1. We had some problems at first, but now things are going just great.
2. Keep up the good work. You're doing great!

First Known Use of GREAT

13th century

Related to GREAT

Synonyms

agreeably, charmingly, delectably, deliciously, delightfully, dreamily, enchantingly, enjoyably, favorably, felicitously, fetchingly, gloriously, gratifyingly, well, nicely, palatably, pleasantly, pleasingly, pleasurably, prettily, satisfyingly, splendidly, sweetly, swimmingly, welcomely, winningly

Antonyms

badly, disagreeably, ill, unpleasantly

Related Words

finely, grandly, magnificently; advantageously, helpfully; blessedly, fortunately, happily, luckily; excellently, superbly; marvelously, sensationally, wonderfully; attractively, beautifully, handsomely; appealingly, appetizingly, enticingly, invitingly, temptingly

Near Antonyms

abominably, appallingly, awfully, dreadfully, horrendously, horribly, horridly, shockingly, sickeningly, terribly, vilely; annoyingly, disgustingly, distressingly, irritatingly, vexingly

³great

noun

plural great or greats

Definition of GREAT

: an outstandingly superior or skillful person <a tribute to the greats of baseball>

First Known Use of GREAT

13th century