■ adjective
1》 of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average.
↘( Greater ) (of a city) including adjacent urban areas.
2》 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.
3》 important or most important.
↘particularly deserving a specified description: I was a ~ fan of Hank's.
4》 [in combination ] (in names of family relationships) denoting one degree further removed upwards or downwards.
■ noun
1》 a distinguished person.
2》 ( Greats ) another term for literae humaniores .
■ adverb informal very well.
Phrases
the ~ and the good often ironic distinguished and worthy people collectively.
~ and small of all sizes, classes, or types.
Great Scott! dated expressing surprise or amazement. [arbitrary euphemism for Great God! ]
Derivatives
~ness noun
Origin
OE grēat 'big', of W. Gmc origin.