Reading Theme:
Grand: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：impressively large and beautiful (grand)
grand
/ɡrænd/
adj.
Impressive and beautiful because it is very large or well made.
impressively large and beautiful
➕
/ɪmˈprɛsɪvli lɑːrdʒ ænd ˈbjuːtɪfəl/
adj.
Describing something that is both large and beautiful, creating an awe-inspiring impression due to its scale or craftsmanship.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'grandis', meaning great or large.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a GRANDparent, who is respected and important, like grand things.
📖 Example
We stood in awe in front of the grand cathedral, its towers reaching high into the sky.
We stood in awe in front of the grand cathedral, its towers reaching high into the sky.
🔗 Collocations
grand building – a large and impressive structure
grand staircase – an elaborate and large staircase, often in a formal setting
grand design – a magnificent and well-planned architectural or artistic plan
🔄 Synonyms
magnificent (adj.) – extremely beautiful and impressive
imposing (adj.) – having an impressive appearance or manner
splendid (adj.) – very impressive; excellent
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'grandis' (large, great), 'grand' entered English in the 1500s. It describes impressive scale or importance, as in grand architecture or grand plans.
Meaning 2：very important and large-scale (grand)
grand
/ɡrænd/
adj.
Used to describe an event, plan, or person that is very important and large in scale.
very important and large-scale
➕
/ˈveri ɪmˈpɔːrtnt ænd lɑːrdʒ skeɪl/
adj.
Referring to events, plans, or people that are significant and extensive in scope, often involving grandeur or ambition.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
They are making grand plans for their grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
They are making grand plans for their grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
🔗 Collocations
grand plan – an ambitious and large-scale strategy or idea
grand celebration – a major and elaborate festive event
grand occasion – a significant and important event
🔄 Synonyms
ambitious (adj.) – having a strong desire for success or achievement on a large scale
extravagant (adj.) – exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate; lavish
monumental (adj.) – of great importance, size, or scale
🚫 Antonyms
modest (adj.) – not large or elaborate; simple
small-scale (adj.) – limited in extent or scope
insignificant (adj.) – not important or noteworthy
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