great entrance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-MediumColloquial to informal standard.
Quick answer
What does “great entrance” mean?
An impressive or dramatic way of entering a room, building, or situation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An impressive or dramatic way of entering a room, building, or situation.
An initial, highly visible, and impactful debut or first appearance in any new context, such as a job, social group, or industry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in both varieties, though 'grand entrance' is perhaps a slightly more formal alternative equally common in BrE. AmE may use it more readily in celebratory or performative contexts (e.g., proms, parties).
Connotations
Carries connotations of confidence, showmanship, or a deliberate desire to be noticed. Can be used sincerely or ironically/sarcastically.
Frequency
Low frequency, but more common in spoken narrative and descriptive prose than in formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “great entrance” in a Sentence
[Subject] made a great entrance[Subject]'s great entrance [verb phrase, e.g., silenced the room]With a great entrance, [subject] [main clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great entrance” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her great entrance was the talk of the party.
- He has a great entrance routine he does at every gig.
American English
- Their great entrance really set the tone for the wedding.
- The candidate made a great entrance at the town hall debate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically for a company's high-profile market launch or a new executive's first day.
Academic
Extremely rare, except perhaps in drama/theatre studies.
Everyday
Used to describe someone arriving at a social event in a noticeable way.
Technical
Used in theatre/film direction to describe a character's impactful introduction in a scene.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great entrance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great entrance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great entrance”
- Using 'great entrance' to describe a large physical door (use 'main entrance' or 'large entrance'). Confusing 'entrance' (noun) with 'entrance' (verb, meaning to captivate).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is often used ironically to describe someone's attempt at a dramatic entrance that fails or is awkward, e.g., 'He tried to make a great entrance but tripped on the carpet.'
Usually 'a great entrance' when describing the act of entering. 'The great entrance' would typically refer to a specific, previously mentioned entrance or, archaically, a large physical doorway.
They are very similar. 'Grand entrance' can sound slightly more formal or literal (e.g., the grand entrance to a palace), while 'great entrance' is more colloquial and focused on the performative impact.
Less common than 'make'. You can 'have' a great entrance if you are describing a characteristic (e.g., 'She always has a great entrance'), but 'make' is the standard collocation for a single instance.
An impressive or dramatic way of entering a room, building, or situation.
Great entrance is usually colloquial to informal standard. in register.
Great entrance: in British English it is pronounced /ɡreɪt ˈɛntrəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡreɪt ˈɛntrəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To make an entrance”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a superhero landing dramatically in the middle of a scene – that's not just an entrance, it's a GREAT ENTRANCE.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A STAGE / SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A PERFORMANCE (The entrance is the opening act.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'great entrance' LEAST likely to be used?