great  (gr āt)
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adj. great·er, great·est 1. a. Very large in size, extent, or intensity: a great pile of rubble; a great storm. b. Of a larger size than other, similar forms: the great anteater. c. Large in quantity or number: A great throng awaited us. See Synonyms at large. d. Extensive in time or distance: a great delay; a great way off. 2. a. Remarkable or outstanding in magnitude, degree, or extent: a great crisis; great anticipation. b. Of outstanding significance or importance: a great work of art. c. Chief or principal: the great house on the estate. d. Superior in quality or character; noble: a great man who dedicated himself to helping others. e. Powerful; influential: one of the great nations of the West. f. Eminent; distinguished: a great leader. 3. Informal a. Very good; first-rate: We had a great time at the dance. b. Very skillful: She is great at algebra. c. Enthusiastic: a great lover of music. 4. Being one generation removed from the relative specified. Often used in combination: a great-granddaughter. 5. Archaic Pregnant. n.1. pl. greats or great One that is great: a composer considered among the greats. 2. Music a. A division of most pipe organs, usually containing the most powerful ranks of pipes. b. A similar division of other organs. adv. Informal 1. Very well: got along great with the teacher. 2. Used as an intensive with certain adjectives: a great big kiss.
[Middle English grete, from Old English grēat, thick, coarse.]
greatly adv. greatness n. |
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