ENGLISH
REFERENCE

greatness

n.
US //ˈɡɹeɪtnəs// UK //ɡɹˈeɪtnəs// great·ness
  1. 1 exceptional skill or importance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of being famous, powerful, or extremely good at something.

    the state of being distinguished by high status, exceptional talent, or historical importance.

    Example

    The young athlete showed signs of greatness from her very first race.

    Example

    Historians often debate whether his greatness was a result of his own character or merely the fortunate circumstances of his era.

    Usage

    Uncountable when referring to the abstract quality of a person or achievement.
  2. 2 large size or intensity (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the quality of being very large in size, amount, or power.

    the quality of being immense in magnitude, extent, or intensity.

    Example

    We were shocked by the greatness of the damage caused by the flood.

    Example

    The sheer greatness of the mountain range left the explorers feeling small and vulnerable against the landscape.

    Usage

    Often used with 'of' to describe a specific measurement or force.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, 'size' or 'magnitude' is more common for physical objects; 'greatness' in this sense is usually reserved for abstract forces like 'the greatness of the storm'.
    • smallness
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  1. 3 pride or arrogance (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    an old-fashioned word for being too proud or thinking you are better than others.

    an obsolete sense referring to haughtiness, pride, or an inflated sense of one's own importance.

    Example

    The king's greatness of heart was often mistaken for simple pride.

    Example

    In the old chronicles, the knight was punished for his greatness and his refusal to bow before the emperor.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is no longer used in modern speech and is only found in historical or literary texts.

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