I. ˈgrand 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 ˈgran-(d)lē adverb
• grand·ness ˈgran(d)-nəs 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
II. noun
Date: 1840
1. : grand piano
2. plural grand slang : a thousand dollars