Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of being great, distinguished, or eminent: The state or condition of having outstanding importance, significance, or superiority in character, quality, or achievement.
   • Unusual largeness in size, extent, or number: The property of being notably large, vast, or immense in physical dimensions, scope, or quantity.

Examples of Usage

• Referring to Importance or Eminence:
  • The greatness of her leadership was recognized by everyone. (Her outstanding importance as a leader was acknowledged.)
  • We study historical figures to understand their greatness. (We study them to understand their distinguished eminence.)
• Referring to Large Size or Extent:
  • The greatness of the ocean is humbling. (The vast size of the ocean inspires humility.)
  • They were amazed by the greatness of the ancient ruins. (They were amazed by the large scale of the ruins.)

Advanced Usage

• "To achieve greatness": to attain a state of outstanding achievement or importance.
  • The athlete trained for years to achieve greatness in her sport.
• "A sense of greatness": a feeling or perception of being grand, important, or vast.
  • Standing on the mountain peak gave him a sense of greatness.

Variants and Related Words

• Great (adj): Of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above the normal; of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above the average.
  • She has great talent.
• Greatly (adv): To a great extent or degree; very much.
  • He was greatly admired.

Synonyms

• Eminence: The quality of being famous and respected.
• Grandeur: Splendor and impressiveness, especially of appearance or style; also, high rank or social importance.
• Immensity: The extremely large size, scale, or extent of something.
• Importance: The state or fact of being of great significance or value.

Antonyms

• Insignificance: The quality of being too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.
• Smallness: The quality of being little in size, extent, or importance.
• Mediocrity: The quality of being average or not very good.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Greatness thrust upon someone": A situation where a person is forced into a position of importance or leadership, rather than seeking it. (Often part of the phrase "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." - Shakespeare)
  • He never wanted to be CEO; he had greatness thrust upon him.

Noun

1. unusual largeness in size or extent or number
2. the property possessed by something or someone of outstanding importance or eminence