greatness
GRAYT-nuhs
Greatness (noun) means the quality of being great, distinguished, or exceptional. Example: “Historians still debate what made Napoleon's military greatness possible.”
noun
1
The quality of being great, distinguished, or exceptional.
"Due to the greatness of his size, he was an effective bodyguard."
"Historians still debate what made Napoleon's military greatness possible."
"She always believed she was destined for greatness."
"He showed his greatness when it mattered, but his occasional weakness too."
— Kevin Mitchell, Roger Federer Back from Wimbledon 2012 Brink to Beat Julien Benneteau (2012)
"The film captures the greatness of the old orchestra at its very peak."
How to use greatness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe state of being truly great — outstanding, remarkable, or highly accomplished.
Common pairings
destined for greatness
achieve greatness
a sense of greatness
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Word forms
- Plural
- greatnesses
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Historians still debate what made Napoleon's military _____ possible.
Etymology
From Old English grēatnes, built from great plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.
Synonyms
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distinction
eminence
magnitude
preeminence
grandness
immenseness
illustriousness
immensity
sizeableness
enormousness
wideness
vastness
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “greatness” mean?
The word “greatness” means the quality of being great, distinguished, or exceptional. In plain terms, the state of being truly great — outstanding, remarkable, or highly accomplished.
How do you pronounce “greatness”?
“Greatness” is pronounced GRAYT-nuhs (/ˈɡɹeɪtnəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “greatness” in a sentence?
Here is “greatness” used in a sentence: “Historians still debate what made Napoleon's military greatness possible.”
What part of speech is “greatness”?
“Greatness” is a noun.
Where does the word “greatness” come from?
The word “greatness” comes from Old English. From Old English grēatnes, built from great plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.
Is “greatness” a common word?
“Greatness” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "greatness" and "success"?
"Success" refers to achieving a specific goal or desired outcome, while "greatness" describes a broader, more enduring quality of being distinguished or exceptional. A person can be successful without being considered great, and greatness often implies a lasting impact beyond a single achievement.
Is "greatness" used mainly for people or can it apply to things?
"Greatness" is most often applied to people, describing exceptional talent, character, or achievement, but it can also describe nations, works of art, or eras that stand out as distinguished or exceptional. The word centers on the quality of being great, regardless of the subject.
What is the difference between "greatness" and "grandeur"?
"Greatness" refers to the quality of being distinguished or exceptional, often in ability or achievement, while "grandeur" specifically emphasizes impressive scale, splendor, or majesty, especially in appearance or setting. A person can have greatness without grandeur, and a building can have grandeur without any connotation of personal achievement.
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