ENGLISH
REFERENCE

greater

adj.
A2 Elementary US //ˈɡɹeɪtɝ// UK //ɡɹˈeɪtɐ// greater

adj. larger in size, amount, or importance than something else. You also use it to describe a large city and the smaller towns around it.

adj. larger in degree, quantity, or importance; the comparative form of 'great'. When used with city names, it refers to a large urban area including its surrounding suburbs and satellite towns.


SIMPLE

The need for clean water is greater than ever.

CONTEXTUAL

Commuters from Greater London often spend over an hour traveling to the city center for work.

COMPLEX

The environmental impact of the new factory was significantly greater than the initial reports had suggested, leading to a full suspension of operations.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

As a comparative adjective, it is usually followed by 'than'. When used in a geographical sense, it is typically capitalized and precedes the name of the central city.

Pitfall

This task is more greater than the last one.This task is greater than the last one.Greater is already a comparative form; adding 'more' is a double comparative error.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference