greatness
gb/ɡɹˈeɪtnəs/ us/ɡɹˈeɪtnəs/
B1
English
~ 3800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
property
1
exceptional quality or importance
The quality of being very good, important, or impressive.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s greatness
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'greatness' with 'size' because 'great' can mean 'big'. In this sense, it refers to quality or importance, not physical size.
Synonyms
excellence (Focuses on a very high standard of quality rather than status or influence.)
|
eminence (Emphasizes high rank or fame in a particular field.)
Antonyms
mediocrity (Refers to being average or unremarkable, the opposite of exceptional quality.)
Collocations
true greatness
|achieve greatness
|recognize greatness
|display greatness
|rise to greatness
Themes
achievement
|character
|reputation
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her greatness as a leader was evident during the crisis.
- The novel captures the greatness of human resilience.
- He is remembered for his greatness both on and off the field.
- Many athletes dream of achieving greatness in their sport.
- True greatness often comes with humility.
Learner examples
- She showed greatness in her work.
- The team's greatness was clear in the game.
- He wanted to reach greatness in music.
- We saw her greatness when she helped others.
- Greatness can come from small acts.
Grammar
Expressions
achieve greatness
1/ət͡ʃˈiv ɡɹˈeɪtnəs/
fixed phrase
reach exceptional quality or status
To become very good, important, or successful at something.
Examples
- Through hard work and dedication, she achieved greatness in her career.
- Many strive to achieve greatness, but few succeed.
path to greatness
1/pˈæθ tə ɡɹˈeɪtnəs/
fixed phrase
route to exceptional status
The way someone becomes very good, important, or successful.
Examples
- Discipline and patience are part of the path to greatness.
- Her path to greatness was full of challenges.
rise to greatness
1/ɹˈaɪz tə ɡɹˈeɪtnəs/
fixed phrase
progress to exceptional status
To grow or develop until you are very good or important.
Examples
- The young artist rose to greatness after years of practice.
- He rose to greatness despite starting from humble beginnings.