greatness

[ greyt-nis ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being important, notable, or distinguished:

   The goal is to inspire students to achieve greatness by taking risks, working hard, and pushing their limits.

   The town is considered an important historical landmark, and is known primarily for its architectural greatness and venerable history.

2. the quality or state of being powerful or intense:

   Those who are deemed incurable by reason of the greatness of their crimes are banished and never allowed to return.

3. the quality or state of being large in size, stature, number, etc.:

   The ancient stone walls, towering close to 200 feet high, impress with their greatness.

Other Words From

• o·ver·great·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of greatness¹

great ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

“I’ve made sure she is plugged into tradition. I want her to understand what this history of L.A. basketball greatness is all about. She’s working hard to try to hold up her end.”

From Los Angeles Times

Maui musically lifts Moana up by reminding her of who she is, applauding her innate greatness and then challenging her to do the same for herself.

From Los Angeles Times

"Just having enough stuff, having enough love, enough security and enough health... that was to me, the greatness of the whole thing."

From BBC

Like Sirianni, Barkley heaped praise on his blockers and invoked one of his favorite sayings: “It’s hard to be great without the greatness of others.”

From Los Angeles Times

Let’s do what we can to put guardrails in place, where her greatness and her popularity can soar, but making sure we always have her safety in mind.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dignity
• fame
• generosity
• glory
• grandeur
• heroism
• importance
• majesty
• merit
• morality
• nobility
• prominence