greater
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective (Comparative form of 'great'):
- Larger in size, extent, or amount: Used to compare two things where one exceeds the other in physical dimensions, scope, or quantity.
- More important, significant, or influential: Used to compare the relative importance, impact, or status of two entities.
- Of a higher degree or intensity: Used to compare the level or intensity of a quality, such as power, effort, or feeling.
Usage and Examples
- Comparing Size or Amount:
- The Pacific Ocean is of greater size than the Atlantic Ocean.
- We need a greater number of volunteers for this event.
- Comparing Importance or Significance:
- The safety of the passengers is of greater importance than the schedule.
- She played a greater role in the project's success than anyone realized.
- Comparing Degree or Intensity:
- With greater effort, you will achieve better results.
- He felt a greater sense of responsibility after the promotion.
Advanced Usage
- "The greater part of": The majority or most of something.
- She spent the greater part of her career in research.
- "For the greater good": For the benefit of the majority or the general welfare, even if it requires individual sacrifice.
- The policy was implemented for the greater good of society.
- "Greater than the sum of its parts": Used to describe something (like a team or system) that is more effective or valuable than the individual components would suggest.
- A successful team is often greater than the sum of its parts.
Variants and Related Words
- Great (adj): Of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average; very large; important.
- Greatest (adj, superlative form): Of the highest degree; most important or best.
- Greatly (adv): By a considerable amount; very much.
Synonyms
- Larger: Of greater size or extent.
- More important: Of greater significance or priority.
- Higher: Of greater degree, level, or amount.
Antonyms
- Lesser: Smaller in size, amount, or importance.
- Smaller: Of less size or dimensions.
Notes on Usage
- 'Greater' vs. 'More': 'Greater' is the comparative form of 'great'. It is often used with abstract nouns (importance, good, extent) and in fixed phrases. For most other adjectives, 'more' + adjective is used to form the comparative (e.g., more beautiful, more interesting).
- Geographical Names: 'Greater' is used in the names of certain metropolitan areas or regions to denote a larger area including the central city and its suburbs (e.g., Greater London, Greater Tokyo Area).
Adjective
- greater in size or importance or degree
- for the greater good of the community
- the greater Antilles