Greatness

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɹeɪtnəs/

Definitions

1. A state of exceptional quality, achievement, or distinction that surpasses ordinary standards and inspires admiration
2. The condition of being notably superior or remarkable in quality, which evokes admiration and signifies extraordinary accomplishments or skills
3. A distinguished level of excellence that stands out from the ordinary and instills respect through significant achievements or qualities

Etymology: "Greatness" is a plain compound: the adjective "great" with the suffix "-ness", which turns an adjective into a noun for a quality or state. The suffix is the older part of the story. It is native English, and the Old English form "grēatnes" was already in use, with the same job of naming the condition of being large, powerful, or distinguished. Its path into the present sense was gradual. In Middle English the word appeared as "gretnesse" and related spellings, and across those centuries it referred broadly to size, importance, and rank. The sense of exceptional achievement that inspires admiration grew out of that older meaning of standing far above others, so the modern word still carries the idea of something measured against ordinary standards.

Synonyms: eminence, distinction, grandness, magnitude, excellence

Antonyms: insignificance, mediocrity, inferiority, smallness, triviality