great spirit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Literary, Anthropological
Quick answer
What does “great spirit” mean?
A term for the supreme deity or divine power in some Indigenous North American spiritual traditions, often understood as a transcendent, benevolent, and creative force.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term for the supreme deity or divine power in some Indigenous North American spiritual traditions, often understood as a transcendent, benevolent, and creative force.
In broader usage, can metaphorically refer to a guiding principle, an overarching ideal, or a source of inspiration and moral guidance. It can also appear in the phrase 'in great spirits,' meaning in a very cheerful mood (a separate, more common usage).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. More likely to be encountered in American English due to historical and cultural context, particularly in literature, anthropology, and discussions of Native American history.
Connotations
In both, it carries formal and respectful connotations. In casual British English, 'in great spirits' (happy) is far more common than the theological term.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties. Higher frequency in specific academic, literary, or cultural discourse in North America.
Grammar
How to Use “great spirit” in a Sentence
The Great Spirit + VERB (created, guides, provides)Prayer/Praise/Thanks + TO + the Great SpiritVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great spirit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable as an adjective phrase; 'great' modifies 'spirit')
American English
- (Not applicable as an adjective phrase; 'great' modifies 'spirit')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Potentially in metaphorical branding: 'the great spirit of innovation.'
Academic
Used in anthropology, religious studies, and North American history to discuss Indigenous worldviews.
Everyday
Extremely rare, except in the idiom 'in great spirits' meaning cheerful.
Technical
Used as a specific cultural term in ethnography and comparative religion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great spirit”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great spirit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great spirit”
- Using it generically for any 'important ghost'.
- Using lowercase ('great spirit') when referring specifically to the deity.
- Pronouncing it as a single compound word (*'greitspirit').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a concept of the supreme divine being within specific Indigenous frameworks, but it is not directly equivalent to the Christian or Islamic 'God'. Direct comparison can oversimplify distinct theological systems.
No. It is a culturally specific and spiritually significant term. Casual use, especially by non-Indigenous people, can be seen as disrespectful or appropriative.
'Great Spirit' (often capitalized) is a proper noun for a deity. 'In great spirits' is a common idiom meaning 'very cheerful and happy'.
Pronounce it as two separate words with their standard pronunciations: /ɡreɪt/ /ˈspɪr.ɪt/. Do not blend them into one word.
A term for the supreme deity or divine power in some Indigenous North American spiritual traditions, often understood as a transcendent, benevolent, and creative force.
Great spirit is usually formal, literary, anthropological in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in great spirits (meaning very cheerful)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
'GREAT SPIRIT' = G (Grand) + REAT (like 'create') + SPIRIT (soul). Think: 'The Grand Creator Soul.'
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COSMOS/UNIVERSE IS A PERSON (with a spirit).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Great Spirit' most appropriately used?