great mogul: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal (historical); Informal/Semi-formal (figurative)
Quick answer
What does “great mogul” mean?
A title for the Muslim emperors of the Mughal Empire in India from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A title for the Muslim emperors of the Mughal Empire in India from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
An informal term for a very rich, powerful, or important person in a particular field or industry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Figurative use more common in US business/finance journalism. Historical term used equally.
Connotations
Figurative use in business contexts often carries connotations of immense wealth and ruthless power.
Frequency
Figurative use ('mogul', 'tycoon', 'magnate') is moderately more frequent in American English, especially in financial reporting. The full phrase 'great mogul' is rare in modern figurative use; 'mogul' alone is standard.
Grammar
How to Use “great mogul” in a Sentence
[The] great mogul [of + INDUSTRY/FIELD][Be/act like] a great mogulVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great mogul” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The great mogul style of architecture is breathtaking.
- He has great mogul ambitions for his startup.
American English
- The great mogul era left a lasting legacy.
- She built a great mogul-level fortune.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to dominant figures (e.g., 'tech mogul', 'property mogul'). The full phrase 'great mogul' is archaic here.
Academic
Used in history texts referring to the Mughal emperors (e.g., Akbar the Great Mogul).
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously or sarcastically ('He struts around the office like a great mogul').
Technical
Primarily a historical term; not used in modern technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great mogul”
- Using 'Great Mogul' figuratively in formal writing (use 'mogul' or 'magnate').
- Confusing with 'mogul' (bump on a ski slope).
- Misspelling as 'great moghul' (acceptable variant) or 'great muggle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, historically they are synonymous. 'Great Mogul' is the older English term derived from Persian, while 'Mughal Emperor' is the modern standard historical term.
It would sound ironic or humorous. The term is too grand for casual use. 'Successful entrepreneur' or 'high-flier' are more natural.
They are near-synonyms. 'Mogul' often implies flashy wealth/media; 'tycoon' suggests building a business empire; 'magnate' is slightly more formal and often used for inherited wealth/industry.
It's a different word! The ski term comes from a Southern German dialect word 'mugel', meaning a small hill or mound. It's a homograph with the Persian-derived 'mogul' for emperor.
A title for the Muslim emperors of the Mughal Empire in India from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Great mogul is usually formal (historical); informal/semi-formal (figurative) in register.
Great mogul: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈməʊɡ(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈmoʊɡ(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A mogul in the making”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the GREAT wealth and palaces of the MOGUL emperors, or a GREEDY mogul counting money.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUSINESS/INDUSTRY IS AN EMPIRE; A POWERFUL BUSINESSMAN IS A MONARCH.
Practice
Quiz
In a modern business context, calling someone a 'mogul' primarily suggests they are: