great belt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, geographical, historical
Quick answer
What does “great belt” mean?
A major strait in Denmark, separating the main islands of Zealand and Funen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major strait in Denmark, separating the main islands of Zealand and Funen.
A proper noun referring to a specific geographical feature, often associated with major bridges (the Great Belt Fixed Link) and significant maritime passages. It can also be used historically to refer to the region or waters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use it as a proper noun for the Danish strait. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Connotations are identical: a significant European waterway, major engineering project (bridges), and a key Baltic Sea passage.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing primarily in geographical, historical, or travel contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “great belt” in a Sentence
[PREP] across/over the Great Beltthe Great Belt [VERB] separatesthe [NOUN] of the Great BeltVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great belt” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Great Belt crossing is impressive.
- Great Belt ferries were once essential.
American English
- The Great Belt Bridge is an engineering feat.
- Great Belt maritime law is specific.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in logistics or engineering firms involved with the bridge/tunnel project: 'The new shipping route avoids the congestion of the Great Belt.'
Academic
Used in geography, European history, and civil engineering papers: 'The Great Belt Fixed Link transformed Denmark's infrastructure.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation, except when discussing travel in Denmark or notable bridges: 'We drove over the Great Belt bridge on our way to Copenhagen.'
Technical
Used in maritime navigation, civil engineering, and regional planning contexts: 'The depth of the Great Belt channel requires careful piloting.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great belt”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great belt”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great belt”
- Using lower case ('great belt').
- Using it as a common noun ('a great belt of land').
- Confusing it with the 'Little Belt' (Lillebælt).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a proper noun (a place name) and must always be capitalized.
The Danish name is 'Storebælt'.
No, it is almost exclusively used as a geographical proper noun and is not used figuratively in standard English.
Both are straits in Denmark. The Great Belt (Storebælt) is the larger, central strait between Zealand and Funen. The Little Belt (Lillebælt) is the smaller strait between Funen and the Jutland peninsula.
A major strait in Denmark, separating the main islands of Zealand and Funen.
Great belt is usually formal, geographical, historical in register.
Great belt: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈbelt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈbelt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GREAT (large) BELT (like a belt of water) strapping together the waist of Denmark.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BELT is a band that encircles or connects; the Great Belt is a band of water connecting the Baltic Sea to other waters, and the bridge is a band of concrete connecting islands.
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'Great Belt'?