# greatness

/ˈɡɹeɪtnəs/ (US) · /ɡɹˈeɪtnəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/greatness
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. exceptional skill or importance

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The young athlete showed signs of greatness from her very first race.
- 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. large size or intensity

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

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

Teaching 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'.

### 3. pride or arrogance

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

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

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

- The king's greatness of heart was often mistaken for simple pride.
- In the old chronicles, the knight was punished for his greatness and his refusal to bow before the emperor.

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

## Examples

- The young athlete showed signs of future greatness.
- The director's latest film is a work of true greatness that will be remembered for decades.
- Historians often debate whether his greatness was a result of his innate character or the unique pressures of the era in which he lived.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.