great gatsby, the: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (as a proper noun/phrase).Formal, Literary, Academic.
Quick answer
What does “great gatsby, the” mean?
The title of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel, which is the proper name of a literary work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The title of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel, which is the proper name of a literary work.
Refers not only to the novel itself but also to its protagonist, Jay Gatsby, the surrounding cultural phenomenon, film adaptations, and the literary themes and historical period (the Jazz Age) it represents.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in reference. The novel is a canonical text in both educational systems, though it is an American work.
Connotations
In the UK, it may be viewed more as a classic of American literature. In the US, it is a central text of national literary identity.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to its status in the US literary canon and popular culture.
Grammar
How to Use “great gatsby, the” in a Sentence
read + The Great Gatsbyanalyse + The Great Gatsbyrefer to + The Great Gatsbyteach + The Great GatsbyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great gatsby, the” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Great Gatsby-esque extravagance of the party was astonishing.
- She has a very Great Gatsby vibe about her.
American English
- The party had a real Great Gatsby feel to it.
- It was a very Great Gatsby-style mansion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Common in literary criticism, history, and American studies courses. e.g., 'The critique of materialism in *The Great Gatsby* is central to understanding the post-war era.'
Everyday
Used when discussing books, films, or general culture. e.g., 'Have you seen the latest film version of *The Great Gatsby*?'
Technical
Not applicable outside literary/ film analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great gatsby, the”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great gatsby, the”
- Writing 'the Great Gatsbie' (misspelling).
- Saying 'Great Gatsby' without the article 'The' when referring to the book title.
- Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'He is a great Gatsby' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a work of fiction. However, Fitzgerald was inspired by the era he lived in and people he knew.
The title is ironic. 'Great' refers to Gatsby's immense wealth and grand persona, which mask his inner loneliness and the hollow nature of his dream.
The central theme is the corruption of the American Dream—the idea that wealth and status lead to happiness, which is portrayed as an illusion.
The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man from the Midwest who moves to Long Island and becomes Gatsby's neighbour.
The title of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel, which is the proper name of a literary work.
Great gatsby, the is usually formal, literary, academic. in register.
Great gatsby, the: in British English it is pronounced /ðə ˌɡreɪt ˈɡætsbi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ðə ˌɡreɪt ˈɡætsbi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Great GATSBY: Gatsby Aims To Seem Brilliant & Young. (Reflects his fabricated identity).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE AMERICAN DREAM IS A GREEN LIGHT (from the novel's imagery).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary setting of *The Great Gatsby*?