Meaning

• Relatively large in scale, size, extent, number (i.e. having many parts or members) or duration (i.e. relatively long); very big.

  "A great storm is approaching our shores."

• Of larger size or more importance than others of its kind.

  "the great auk"

• (qualifying nouns of family relationship) Involving more generations than the qualified word implies — as many extra generations as repetitions of the word great (from 1510s). [see Derived terms]

  "great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, great-great-great-grandfather"

• (followed by 'with') Pregnant; large with young; full of.

  "great with child"

• (except with 'friend' and similar words such as 'mate','buddy') Intimate; familiar.

• Extreme or more than usual.

  "great worry"

• Of significant importance or consequence; important.

  "a great decision"

• (applied to actions, thoughts and feelings) Arising from or possessing idealism; admirable; superior; commanding; heroic; illustrious; eminent.

  "a great deed"

• Impressive or striking.

  "a great show of wealth"

• Much in use; favoured.

  "Poetry was a great convention of the Romantic era."

• (applied to persons) Endowed with extraordinary powers; of exceptional talents or achievements; uncommonly gifted; able to accomplish vast results; remarkable; strong; powerful; mighty; noble.

  "a great hero, scholar, genius, philosopher, writer etc."

• Title referring to an important leader.

  "Alexander the Great"

• Doing or exemplifying (a characteristic or pursuit) on a large scale; active or enthusiastic.

  "He's not a great one for reading."

• (often followed by 'at') Skilful or adroit.

  "You are great at singing."

• Very good; excellent; wonderful; fantastic (from 1848).

  "Dinner was great."

• Intensifying a word or expression, used in mild oaths.

  "Great Scott!"