grand

I. adjective Etymology: Anglo-French grant, grand, large, great, grand, from Latin grandis Date: 1548 1. a. having more importance than others ; foremost b. having higher rank than others bearing the same general designation <

the grand champion

> 2. a. inclusive, comprehensive <

the grand total of all money paid out

> b. definitive, incontrovertible <

grand example

> 3. chief, principal 4. large and striking in size, scope, extent, or conception <

grand design

> 5. a. lavish, sumptuous <

a grand celebration

> b. marked by a regal form and dignity c. fine or imposing in appearance or impression d. lofty, sublime <

writing in the grand style

> 6. a. pretending to social superiority ; supercilious b. intended to impress <

a person of grand gestures

> 7. very good ; wonderful <

a grand time

> • grandly adverb • grandness noun Synonyms: grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive. grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity <

a grand staircase

>. magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste <

magnificent paintings

>. imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness <

an imposing edifice

>. stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement <

the stately procession

>. majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur <

a majestic waterfall

>. grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience <

grandiose hydroelectric projects

> but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration <

grandiose schemes

>. II. noun Date: 1840 1. grand piano 2. plural grand slang a thousand dollars