great war: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Historical, Formal, Academic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “great war” mean?
A war fought on an unprecedented scale, involving many nations and causing immense destruction and societal change.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A war fought on an unprecedented scale, involving many nations and causing immense destruction and societal change.
Often used as a proper noun, 'the Great War' specifically refers to World War I (1914-1918). More broadly, it can refer to any conflict of vast scale and impact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical, though British English may more commonly use 'Great War' as a standalone term for WWI. American English often pairs it as 'World War I (the Great War)'.
Connotations
Both carry strong historical gravity and associations with trench warfare, loss, and the end of empires.
Frequency
Higher frequency in historical discourse in both variants; equally common.
Grammar
How to Use “great war” in a Sentence
[The] Great War [proper noun][adjective] great war [descriptive]the great war of [year/place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great war” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His great-war medals were kept in a velvet case.
- The great-war poets captured the horror of the trenches.
American English
- Great War-era technology changed rapidly.
- She studied Great War propaganda posters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except metaphorically for intense competition ('a great war for market share').
Academic
Common in historical, political science, and literature contexts referring to WWI.
Everyday
Used when discussing history, family history (e.g., 'my grandfather served in the Great War'), or in metaphorical hyperbole.
Technical
Specific term in historiography; precise dating and theatres of 'the Great War'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great war”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great war”
- Writing 'great war' instead of 'the Great War' when referring specifically to WWI.
- Confusing 'Great War' with 'World War II'.
- Using 'Great War' to refer to any large modern conflict without historical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when capitalized ('the Great War'), it is a standard proper noun synonymous with World War I. Before 1939, it was simply called 'the Great War' or 'the World War'.
No, it is not standard. 'Great War' specifically refers to WWI. WWII is always 'the Second World War' or 'World War II'.
Yes, when referring to WWI, it is a proper noun and both words are capitalized: 'the Great War'.
There is no difference in referent; they mean the same conflict. 'World War I' is a more modern, numerical term, while 'the Great War' is the contemporary name used during and after the war itself, carrying more historical and emotional weight.
A war fought on an unprecedented scale, involving many nations and causing immense destruction and societal change.
Great war is usually historical, formal, academic, literary in register.
Great war: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈwɔː(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈwɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GREAT' as in G.R.E.A.T. - Global, Ruinous, Era-defining, All-involving, Total.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FIRE that consumes nations. A MACHINE that grinds up a generation. A DOOR between the old world and the modern era.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common specific reference of the capitalized term 'the Great War'?