adj.
- of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average.
▸
(Greater)
(of a city) including adjacent urban areas.
- of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above average.
▸
(the Great)
a title denoting the most important person of the name specified.
▸informal very good; excellent.
- important or most important.
▸particularly deserving a specified description:
I was a great fan of Hank's.
-
[in combination]
(in names of family relationships) denoting one degree further removed upwards or downwards.
n.
- a distinguished person.
-
(Greats)
another term for literae humaniores.
adv.
informal very well.
Phrase
- the great and the good
often ironic distinguished and worthy people collectively. - great and small
of all sizes, classes, or types. - Great Scott!
dated expressing surprise or amazement.
[arbitrary euphemism for Great God!]
Derivative
Etymology
OE grēat ‘big’, of W. Gmc origin.