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grand (grănd)
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adj. grand·er, grand·est
1.
a. Large and impressive in size or extent: a forest of grand trees; corruption on a grand scale.
b. Sweeping in ambition or conception: a grand scheme to build a canal across the desert.
2.
a. Very pleasing; wonderful; splendid: The children had a grand time playing in the barn.
b. Characterized by splendor or magnificence: A grand meal was laid before them. The emperor made a grand entrance on his horse.
3.
a. Having more importance than others; principal: won the grand prize.
b. Having higher rank than others of the same category: the grand admiral of the fleet.
4.
a. Dignified or noble, as in appearance or effect: the grand style of the great orators; the grand old man of British letters.
b. Having a serious moral purpose; noble: an endeavor with a grand mission.
5. Of a haughty or pretentious nature: put on a grand manner.
6. Including or covering all units or aspects: the grand total.
n.
1. A grand piano.
2. pl. grand Slang A thousand dollars: sold the car for six grand.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin grandis.]
grandly adv.
grandness n.
Synonyms: grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, august
These adjectives mean strikingly large in size, scope, or extent. Both grand and magnificent apply to what is physically or aesthetically impressive. Grand implies dignity, sweep, or eminence: a grand hotel lobby with marble floors. Magnificent suggests splendor, sumptuousness, and grandeur: a magnificent cathedral. Imposing describes what impresses by virtue of its size, bearing, or power: an imposing array of skyscrapers. Stately refers principally to what is dignified and handsome: a stately home set back from the street. Majestic suggests lofty dignity or sublime beauty: the majestic snowcapped Alps. August describes what inspires solemn reverence or awe: the august presence of the black-robed judges.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

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