The spelling of the word "great" is fairly straightforward. It is spelled with the letters G-R-E-A-T, which reflect the phonetic sounds of the word. The initial sound is a voiced velar plosive, represented by the letter G. This is followed by a vowel sound, represented by the letters E-A, which is a diphthong made up of the sounds "eh" and "ay". Finally, the word ends with a voiceless alveolar stop, represented by the letter T. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is transcribed as /ɡreɪt/.
Great:
1. Adjective - Used to describe something that is of a large or considerable size, magnitude, or extent. It implies superiority or significance in terms of quantity, quality, or importance. For example, a great building, a great amount of money, or a great impact.
2. Adjective - Used to refer to something or someone that possesses exceptional qualities, skills, or achievements, often earning admiration, respect, or praise. It suggests excellence or eminence in a given field. For instance, a great artist, a great leader, or a great athlete.
3. Adjective - Used to describe an intense or powerful feeling or emotion. It implies strong intensity or depth, often used to express the degree of enthusiasm, happiness, or satisfaction. For instance, a great joy, a great relief, or a great pleasure.
4. Adjective - Used to describe an era, period, or event of historical importance or significance. It suggests a noteworthy impact or influence on society, culture, or civilization. For example, the Great Depression, the Great War, or the Great Renaissance.
5. Adverb - Used to intensify an action, often conveying the idea of a considerable degree or extent. For example, to speak great volumes, to have great success, or to think deeply about something.
In summary, "great" encompasses the notions of large size, importance, superior quality or ability, intense emotion, historical importance, and considerable degree or extent in relation to various contexts.
Large or considerable in bulk, dimensions, or number; weighty; adorable; marvellous; principal; having rank or power; illustrious; eminent; of a high and noble character; expressing an extension or unusual degree of a thing; pregnant; a word used in the more remote steps of consanguinity, either ascending or descending, as great-grandfather; hard, difficult, or grievous.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "great" originated from the Old English word "grēat", which means "big" or "large". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "grautaz", which also meant "big" or "coarse". This Proto-Germanic word is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*ghreu-", meaning "to rub" or "to grind". Over time, the meaning of "great" expanded beyond just physical size and began to include concepts such as importance, excellence, and significant influence.