great

I. adjective Etymology: Middle English grete, from Old English grēat; akin to Old High German grōz large Date: before 12th century 1. a. notably large in size ; huge b. of a kind characterized by relative largeness — used in plant and animal names c. elaborate, ample <

great detail

> 2. a. large in number or measure ; numerous <

great multitudes

> b. predominant <

the great majority

> 3. remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness <

great bloodshed

> 4. full of emotion <

great with anger

> 5. a. eminent, distinguished <

a great poet

> b. chief or preeminent over others — often used in titles <

Lord Great Chamberlain

> c. aristocratic, grand <

great ladies

> 6. long continued <

a great while

> 7. principal, main <

a reception in the great hall

> 8. more remote in a family relationship by a single generation than a specified relative <

great-grandfather

> 9. markedly superior in character or quality; especially noble <

great of soul

> 10. a. remarkably skilled <

great at tennis

> b. marked by enthusiasm ; keen <

great on science fiction

> 11. — used as a generalized term of approval <

had a great time

> <

it was just great

> • greatness noun II. adverb Date: 13th century in a great manner ; successfully, well <

things are going great

> III. noun (plural great or greats) Date: 13th century an outstandingly superior or skillful person <

a tribute to the greats of baseball

>