greater

"Greater" is a versatile word with a few closely related but distinct uses. It is the comparative form of "great," and it shows up as an adjective in everyday language, formal writing, and even in place names. Here are its most common and useful senses.

1adjectivelarger in size or amount

When one thing is bigger, more, or larger than another, you can say it is 'greater.' Think of it like a scale — the side that tips down has the greater weight. You use it to compare two things.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The population of China is greater than the population of the United States.

She felt a greater sense of relief after hearing the good news.

The damage from the second storm was far greater than expected.

2adjectivefigurativemore important or more powerful

Sometimes 'greater' is not about size or numbers — it is about importance, power, or impact. If something matters more or has a stronger effect, it is 'greater' in this sense.

everyday language, formal writing · Modern, widely used · figurative

Teamwork serves the greater good of the whole community.

He sacrificed his personal comfort for a greater cause.

No greater challenge has faced this generation.

3adjectivethe wider area around a city

When 'greater' comes before the name of a city, it means the city itself plus all the towns and suburbs around it. So 'Greater London' is not just the city center — it includes everything nearby that is considered part of the same large urban area.

geography, place names · Modern, widely used

She grew up in Greater Manchester before moving to the countryside.

The Greater Tokyo area is home to over 37 million people.

Traffic in the Greater Los Angeles region can be very heavy.