First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1great
adjective \ˈgrāt, Southern also ˈgre(ə)t\
Definition of GREAT
1
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>
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
See great defined for English-language learners
See great defined for kids
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Origin of GREAT
Middle English grete, from Old English grēat; akin to Old High German grōz large
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
2great
adverb
: very well
Full Definition of GREAT
: in a great manner : well <things are going great>
See great defined for English-language learners
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
3great
noun
: a very successful or admired person
plural great or greats
Full Definition of GREAT
: an outstandingly superior or skillful person <a tribute to the greats of baseball>
See great defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GREAT
13th century
GREATNESS Defined for Kids
great
adjective \ˈgrāt\
great·ergreat·est
Definition of GREAT for Kids
1
: very large in size : huge <a great mountain>
2
: large in amount <a great crowd>
3
: 1long 2 <a great while>
4
: much beyond the ordinary <a great success>
5
: important 1, distinguished <a great artist>
6
: very talented or successful <She's great at diving.>
7
: very good <We had a great time.>
— great·ly adverb <He's greatly admired.>
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