greatness
C1Formal, literary, historical, inspirational; used in elevated discourse.
Definition
Meaning
The quality or state of being great, eminent, or distinguished; exceptional magnitude, power, or achievement.
Often implies a lasting, impactful quality that inspires admiration, transcends the ordinary, and may involve moral or historical significance. Can refer to personal character, artistic merit, national spirit, or abstract concepts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an abstract, uncountable noun. Suggests a combination of exceptional quality, scale, and positive evaluation. Often used retrospectively or aspirationally.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Slightly more frequent in British historical/political rhetoric (e.g., 'Greatness of Britain'). In American discourse, often paired with 'national' or 'personal'.
Connotations
UK: May carry stronger historical/imperial connotations. US: Often linked to individual potential, ambition, and exceptionalism.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; a high-register word in both variants.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + greatness: achieve/attain/recognise greatness[adjective] + greatness: true/historical/sheer greatnessgreatness + [preposition]: greatness of (character/nation), greatness in (battle/art)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Greatness is thrust upon someone.”
- “On the shoulders of greatness.”
- “(To be) born to greatness.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; used in aspirational leadership contexts: 'The CEO spoke about restoring the company's former greatness.'
Academic
Common in history, literature, philosophy: 'The debate centres on the moral foundations of political greatness.'
Everyday
Limited; used for emphasis about people or achievements: 'I don't think he realises the greatness of his own invention.'
Technical
Very rare; not a technical term.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His greatness as a footballer is known all over the world.
- They discussed the greatness of the ancient empire.
- The biography explores the roots of her artistic greatness and her personal struggles.
- True greatness often involves overcoming significant adversity.
- The historian argued that the nation's perceived greatness was built upon a foundation of social inequity.
- Her philosophical treatise distinguishes between greatness of power and greatness of character.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GREAT-NESS: Think of 'Great' + 'ness' (state of being). The state of being great.
Conceptual Metaphor
GREATNESS IS SIZE/HEIGHT (ascend to greatness, towering greatness), GREATNESS IS A DESTINATION (journey to greatness, achieve greatness), GREATNESS IS A POSSESSION (inherit greatness, possess greatness).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as "великость" – this is a calque. Correct equivalents are "величие" (majesty, grandeur) or "великость" is not standard. "Greatness" is more abstract than "величие" which often implies imposing scale.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun (*'a greatness').
- Confusing with 'grandness' (which focuses more on splendour).
- Using in trivial contexts (*'the greatness of this sandwich').
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase best captures the abstract, inspirational use of 'greatness'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly yes, but it can be used neutrally or critically to denote scale or power without moral approval (e.g., 'the frightening greatness of his ambition').
Yes, but typically abstract concepts or works: 'the greatness of the symphony', 'the greatness of the idea'. Using it for concrete objects is poetic or archaic.
Success is achieving a goal. Greatness implies a rare, exceptional, and often lasting quality or achievement that stands above ordinary success.
No, 'greatness' is an uncountable (mass) noun. You cannot use the indefinite article 'a' with it.