Word
greater
US/ˈɡɹeɪtɝ/
UK/ɡɹˈeɪtɐ/
Definitions
01more great
A2 · Elementary
adj. more than something else in size, amount, or importance.
adj. the comparative form of 'great', indicating a superior degree of magnitude, intensity, or significance relative to another entity.
“The risk of failure was greater than we first thought.”
“The environmental impact of the new factory proved to be significantly greater than the initial projections had suggested.”
Usage
Usually followed by 'than' when comparing two things.
Pitfall
This is more greater than that.
This is greater than that.
Greater is already a comparative form; do not use 'more' with it.
02city and suburbs
B1 · Intermediate
adj. used with the name of a city to include the city itself and the smaller towns around it.
adj. used attributively in geographical nomenclature to denote a metropolitan area comprising a central city and its surrounding suburbs or satellite towns.
“Many people who work in the city center live in Greater London.”
“The transport strategy aims to improve connectivity across Greater Manchester, focusing on the outer boroughs rather than just the urban core.”
Usage
Always placed immediately before the name of the city or region.
Teaching tip
Explain to students that this is a specific administrative or geographical term, not just a way to say the city is 'big'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “greater” in context.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-2
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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