Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| magnus | [ˈmaŋ.nʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmaɲ.ɲus] (narrow) |
| grandis | [ˈɡran.dɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɡran.dis] (narrow) |
In Latin, 'great' can refer to something that is very good. Use magnus when referring to greatness in terms of importance, scale or size. If you wish to express that something is splendid or remarkable in a more formal tone, you may use praeclarus. Additionally, the interjection babae can be used to express 'Great!' as an exclamation.
Which one should you use?
While both words can be translated as 'great', they carry different nuances. magnus typically refers to greatness in terms of importance, scale or size. In contrast, grandis is often used to describe things that are large in physical extent or impressive in scale, similar to the English sense of being 'grand' or imposing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree with the gender and number of the noun it modifies. The default masculine singular form is magnus. Use magna for feminine singular nouns and magnum for neuter singular nouns. The form magni can be used as the genitive singular (meaning 'of a great…') or as the masculine or feminine nominative plural (meaning 'great ones'). To say 'he is great' or 'it is great', combine the adjective with the verb 'est', such as in the phrase magnus est.
Examples in context
- Magnus scriptor Russicus est.This is a great Russian writer.This sentence shows the use of magnus to describe a writer.Tatoeba #10746007 by carlosalberto, translation #10745887 by carlosalberto
- Didymus magnus procurator fuit.Tom was a great manager.This sentence demonstrates how magnus can modify a role like manager.Tatoeba #5026419 by alexmarcelo, translation #5024675 by CK
- Verus amicus magnus thesaurus est.A true friend is a great treasure.This sentence illustrates magnus being used to describe a treasure.Tatoeba #5111452 by alexmarcelo, translation #5111854 by CarpeLanam
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Marcus are walking through a beautiful park.
- LuciaVidesne hoc templum?Do you see this temple?
- MarcusIta, magnus est locus.Yes, it is a great place.
- LuciaVerum dicis, Marce.You speak the truth, Marcus.
- MarcusLucia, gaudeamus!Lucia, let us rejoice!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “great” translations and entries magnus, grandis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
