greatest

word · lemma: great

/ˈɡɹeɪtəst/
GRAY-tist
/ɡɹˈeɪtəst/
GRAY-tist

Definition

'Greatest' is the superlative form of 'great'. It means the biggest, best, most important, or most impressive of all in a group.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in phrases like 'the greatest player of all time' or 'one of the greatest films ever made'. It can describe size, quality, achievement, or importance depending on context. Learners may confuse it with 'biggest': 'greatest' often suggests excellence, not only size.

Example Sentences

This is the greatest day of my life.

basic

She is one of the greatest singers in the world.

basic

That was his greatest mistake.

basic

Many people still argue about who the greatest athlete of all time is.

natural

Honestly, the greatest thing about this job is the people.

natural

Winning that award was the greatest moment of her career.

natural