I. ˈgrāt, Southern also ˈgre(ə)t adjective
Etymology: Middle English grete, from Old English grēat; akin to Old High German grōz large
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : notably large in size : huge
b. : of a kind characterized by relative largeness — used in plant and animal names
c. : elaborate , ample
great detail
2.
a. : large in number or measure : numerous
great multitudes
b. : predominant
the great majority
3. : remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness
great bloodshed
4. : full of emotion
great with anger
5.
a. : eminent , distinguished
a great poet
b. : chief or preeminent over others — often used in titles
Lord Great Chamberlain
c. : aristocratic , grand
great ladies
6. : long continued
a great while
7. : principal , main
a reception in the great hall
8. : more remote in a family relationship by a single generation than a specified relative
great -grandfather
9. : markedly superior in character or quality ; especially : noble
great of soul
10.
a. : remarkably skilled
great at tennis
b. : marked by enthusiasm : keen
great on science fiction
11. — used as a generalized term of approval
had a great time
it was just great
• great·ness noun
II. adverb
Date: 13th century
: in a great manner : successfully , well
things are going great
III. noun
( plural great or greats )
Date: 13th century
: an outstandingly superior or skillful person
a tribute to the great s of baseball