GREAT, adj. A relative word, denoting largeness of quantity, number, &c., serving to augment the value of those terms with which it is combined, and opposed to small or little. The principal circumstances in which this word can be employed are the following:
field, and the like. In this sense it is nearly synonymous with large; and these terms were often used indiscriminately, but with some difference of meaning; for, as large is a term chiefly employed to denote extent of superficies, and as great more particularly regards the quantity of matter, therefore, when large is applied to any object which is not merely superficial, it denotes that it is the extent of surface which is there meant to be considered, without regard to the other dimensions; whereas, when the term great is employed, it has reference to the whole contents. If, therefore, we say a large house, or a large river, we express that the house, or the river, has a surface of great extent, without having any necessary connexion with the size in other respects. But if we say a great house, or a great river, it at once denotes that these objects have not only a large surface, but are also of great size in every respect.