ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grandeur

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ɡɹænˈduɹ// UK //ɡɹændˈɜː// grandeur Archaic

n. the quality of being very large, impressive, or beautiful. It describes things that look expensive, important, or powerful.

n. the quality of being magnificent, splendid, or impressive in appearance or style. Often associated with high social status, historical importance, or vast scale.


SIMPLE

The old palace still has its former grandeur.

CONTEXTUAL

Visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the cathedral's high ceilings and gold decorations.

COMPLEX

The novel captures the fading grandeur of the aristocratic estate, where peeling wallpaper and dusty portraits serve as reminders of a more prosperous era.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French grandeur, from Old French grandur, from grant (French grand), from Latin grandis (“grown up, great”).

Usage

Commonly paired with adjectives like 'fading', 'sheer', or 'former'.

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