Word
greatest
Phoneticsgreat·est, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹeɪtəst/
UK/ɡɹˈeɪtəst/
Definition
adj. the best or most important of its kind. You use this to describe something that is better than everything else in a group.
adj. the superlative form of 'great', indicating the highest degree of quality, importance, or size. Often used to denote preeminence in a specific field or category.
Examples
“She is the greatest tennis player in history.”
“The museum houses the greatest collection of Renaissance art in the entire country.”
“Historians often debate which leader faced the greatest challenges during the transition to democracy, as each era presented unique social and economic pressures.”
Examples
simple
“She is the greatest tennis player in history.”
contextual
“The museum houses the greatest collection of Renaissance art in the entire country.”
complex
“Historians often debate which leader faced the greatest challenges during the transition to democracy, as each era presented unique social and economic pressures.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “greatest” in context.
Usage
Superlative form; almost always preceded by the definite article 'the'.
Pitfall
the most greatest
the greatest
Greatest is already a superlative; adding 'most' creates a double superlative error.
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 C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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