greatest

greatest — 形容詞

1. higher than all the others in amount, number, degree, or force within a group be

1.形容詞B1
釋義

最大；最高

數量、程度或力量居首

higher than all the others in amount, number, degree, or force within a group being compared.

例句

The storm caused the greatest damage along the old fishing harbour.

這場暴風雨在老漁港一帶造成了最大的損害。

the greatest + abstract damage noun

Of all the candidates, Yara won the greatest number of votes.

在所有候選人當中，Yara 贏得了最高的票數。

the greatest number of + plural noun

同義詞
  • highest

    common when the scale is degree, level, or pressure

  • largest

    better for physical size, but also common for totals and numbers

  • maximum

    more formal; often used in technical or official contexts

反義詞
  • lowest

    opposite on a scale of degree or force

  • smallest

    opposite for number or amount in a comparison

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

❌Yara won greatest number of votes.
✅Yara won the greatest number of votes.
💡superlatives normally need 'the' before the noun phrase.

2. judged to stand above others of the same kind because of lasting importance, pow

2.形容詞B2
釋義

最偉大的

重要性或影響力最高的

judged to stand above others of the same kind because of lasting importance, power, influence, or achievement.

例句

Many historians still call Marie Curie one of the greatest scientists ever.

許多歷史學家仍稱 Marie Curie 為史上最偉大的科學家之一。

one of the greatest + profession noun

For Hana, raising her daughters well was her greatest achievement.

對 Hana 來說，把女兒們好好帶大是她最偉大的成就。

possessive + greatest + achievement noun

同義詞
  • foremost

    formal; stresses leading position in a field

  • leading

    common in journalism and public discussion

  • pre-eminent

    formal; highlights unmatched distinction

反義詞

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

❌She is the greatest by math in school history.
✅She is the greatest math student in school history.
💡use 'greatest' directly before the person, work, or achievement being ranked.

3. used with abstract nouns to show that a situation requires the highest possible

3.形容詞C1
釋義

最高度的

表示程度已高到不能再高

used with abstract nouns to show that a situation requires the highest possible level of care, urgency, respect, secrecy, or caution.

例句

The nurse handled the newborn with the greatest care during the transfer.

護理師在轉送過程中，以最高度的細心照顧那名新生兒。

with the greatest + care noun

Officials are treating the missing-child report with the greatest urgency.

官員正以最高度的急迫感處理這起孩童失蹤通報。

with the greatest + urgency noun

同義詞
  • utmost

    closest single-word alternative in formal writing

  • maximum

    more technical; common in procedures and warnings

  • strictest

    fits rules or controls rather than general care

反義詞
  • least

    opposite for minimal seriousness or effort

  • casual

    opposite when the manner is relaxed or not careful

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

❌Please handle the boxes with greatest care.
✅Please handle the boxes with the greatest care.
💡the fixed phrase normally includes 'the'.

4. better than all the others in quality, skill, or enjoyment; the one people admir

4.形容詞B1
釋義

最棒的

品質、表現或技巧最好的

better than all the others in quality, skill, or enjoyment; the one people admire or like most.

例句

That tiny noodle shop still serves the greatest soup in the neighborhood.

那家小麵店到現在還是這個社區裡賣最棒湯品的地方。

greatest + food noun for enthusiastic praise

Diya says her grandmother makes the greatest mango pickle in the family.

Diya 說她外婆做的是全家最棒的芒果醃菜。

the greatest + homemade item

同義詞
  • best

    most neutral and widest everyday choice

  • finest

    slightly more formal; often suggests high quality

  • top-notch

    informal; strong praise for quality

反義詞
  • worst

    direct opposite for quality or enjoyment

  • poorest

    more formal opposite for quality or performance

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

❌That was the greatest of pizza I have tried.
✅That was the greatest pizza I have tried.
💡put the praised noun directly after 'greatest'.

greatest — 名詞