great

Very good, enjoyable, or successful.

• That is a great idea.
• We had a great time at the beach.
• Your new shoes look great!

Similar words: excellent, wonderful, fantastic

Opposites: terrible

Common phrases: great idea, great fun

A large amount or degree of something, especially a feeling or effort.

• She spoke with great care.
• The news caused him great worry.
• It gave us great pleasure to welcome them.

Similar words: considerable, intense

Opposites: slight

Common phrases: great care, great pleasure

Very large in size or scale.

• A great wave hit the boat.
• They travelled a great distance to reach us.
• Great crowds gathered outside the palace.

Similar words: large, huge, vast

Opposites: small

Common phrases: great storm, great distance

Very important or likely to have a strong effect.

• This decision is of great importance.
• Winning the prize was a great achievement.
• The discovery marked a great moment in medical history.

Similar words: important, major, significant

Opposites: minor

Common phrases: great importance, great achievement

Added to a family name to show one more generation away from you.

• My great-grandmother lived in this village.
• We found a photograph of his great-grandfather.
• Her great-great-grandparents came from Italy.

Common phrases: great grandfather, great aunt

Used in a famous leader’s title to show that people consider them especially important or successful.

• Peter the Great ruled Russia.
• The museum has a portrait of Catherine the Great.
• Our lesson covered the campaigns of Alexander the Great.

Similar words: illustrious

Common phrases: the Great, a great ruler

Said when you are pleased about something.

• Great! You can come with us.
• You passed? Great!
• Great, we have enough chairs for everyone.

Similar words: wonderful, excellent, brilliant

Common phrases: great thanks, great idea, great news

Said when something bad happens, to show that you are annoyed or disappointed.

• Great! Now we are late.
• Oh, great, the printer has broken again.
• Just great! I left my keys inside.

Similar words: wonderful, brilliant

Common phrases: oh great, just great