greatest
greatest — adjective
1. higher than all the others in amount, number, degree, or force within a group be
higher than all the others in amount, number, degree, or force within a group being compared.
The storm caused the greatest damage along the old fishing harbour.
the greatest + abstract damage noun
Of all the candidates, Yara won the greatest number of votes.
the greatest number of + plural noun
Doctors feared the greatest pressure would hit the emergency ward after midnight.
This shortcut saves the greatest amount of time on school mornings.
用法筆記
Use this sense when the comparison can be measured or counted. Distinguish from sense 2 (MOST IMPORTANT), which is about importance or lasting influence rather than quantity or force.
常見錯誤
2. judged to stand above others of the same kind because of lasting importance, pow
judged to stand above others of the same kind because of lasting importance, power, influence, or achievement.
Many historians still call Marie Curie one of the greatest scientists ever.
one of the greatest + profession noun
For Hana, raising her daughters well was her greatest achievement.
possessive + greatest + achievement noun
The treaty remains the greatest turning point in the country's modern history.
Winning clean water for the village became Baraka's greatest contribution.
- foremost
formal; stresses leading position in a field
- leading
common in journalism and public discussion
- pre-eminent
formal; highlights unmatched distinction
- least important
opposite for significance
- minor
describes something with much less historical weight
用法筆記
Common with people, achievements, works, and events that are being ranked for historical or lasting significance. Distinguish from sense 4 (BEST OF ALL), which is more about quality or personal enjoyment in everyday praise.
常見錯誤
3. used with abstract nouns to show that a situation requires the highest possible
used with abstract nouns to show that a situation requires the highest possible level of care, urgency, respect, secrecy, or caution.
The nurse handled the newborn with the greatest care during the transfer.
with the greatest + care noun
Officials are treating the missing-child report with the greatest urgency.
with the greatest + urgency noun
Please keep these documents in the greatest secrecy until Monday.
After the landslide, crews worked with the greatest caution on the mountain road.
文法句型
with the greatest + abstract noun
用法筆記
This sense appears in set formal patterns such as 'with the greatest care' or 'with the greatest urgency'. It is about the maximum seriousness needed in the situation, not about ranking one person or thing above another.
常見錯誤
4. better than all the others in quality, skill, or enjoyment; the one people admir
better than all the others in quality, skill, or enjoyment; the one people admire or like most.
That tiny noodle shop still serves the greatest soup in the neighborhood.
greatest + food noun for enthusiastic praise
Diya says her grandmother makes the greatest mango pickle in the family.
the greatest + homemade item
After months of practice, the band gave its greatest performance on opening night.
Of all the teachers Emily had, Ms. Flores was the greatest at calming nervous students.
用法筆記
Often used in warm, enthusiastic praise about a person, experience, performance, or product. Distinguish from sense 2 (MOST IMPORTANT): this sense focuses on quality or enjoyment, not historical significance.
常見錯誤
greatest — noun
1. a person widely seen as the best, most admired, or most important in a particula
a person widely seen as the best, most admired, or most important in a particular field or activity.
In Brazilian football, Pele is still spoken of as one of the greatest.
one of the greatest (noun use)
Critics placed Toni Morrison among the greatest of the last century.
among the greatest of + time period
By the end of her career, fans were calling Nia the greatest in the sport.
The museum's new gallery celebrates the greatest of Taiwanese cinema.
文法句型
one of the greatest
the greatest in + field
用法筆記
Usually appears with context that names the field or time period, such as sport, literature, or a generation. It often follows phrases like 'one of the' or 'among the'.