n.
Pronunciation: ' grand
Function: adjective
Etymology: Anglo-French grant, grand, large, great, grand, from Latin grandis
Date: 1548
1 a : having more importance than others : FOREMOST b : having higher rank than others bearing the same general designation <the grand champion>
2 a : INCLUSIVE , COMPREHENSIVE <the grand total of all money paid out> b : DEFINITIVE , INCONTROVERTIBLE < grand example>
3 : CHIEF , PRINCIPAL
4 : large and striking in size, scope, extent, or conception < grand design>
5 a : LAVISH , SUMPTUOUS <a grand celebration> b : marked by a regal form and dignity c : fine or imposing in appearance or impression d : LOFTY , SUBLIME <writing in the grand style>
6 a : pretending to social superiority : SUPERCILIOUS b : intended to impress <a person of grand gestures>
7 : very good : WONDERFUL <a grand time>
– grand · ly \ ' gran-(d)l ē \ adverb
– grand · ness \ ' gran(d)-n ə s \ noun
synonyms GRAND , MAGNIFICENT , IMPOSING , STATELY , MAJESTIC , GRANDIOSE mean large and impressive. GRAND adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity <a grand staircase>. MAGNIFICENT implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste < magnificent paintings>. IMPOSING implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness <an imposing edifice>. STATELY may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement <the stately procession>. MAJESTIC combines the implications of IMPOSING and STATELY and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur <a majestic waterfall>. GRANDIOSE implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience < grandiose hydroelectric projects> but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration < grandiose schemes>.