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Great vs. Best: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 29, 2023
"Great" refers to something that is above average or exceptional, but not necessarily the finest. "Best" denotes the highest quality or degree among all; it is comparative and superlative. A movie can be great, but only one can be the best.

Key Differences

"Great" is an adjective that signifies something is much better than average in quality, size, or performance. "Best," on the other hand, is the superlative form of "good" and suggests that something is at the pinnacle in terms of quality, performance, or suitability. A great singer impresses the audience, but the best singer wins the competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
The word "great" can be used more loosely and doesn't have to denote comparison with other entities. "Best" implies a comparison and signifies being at the top when ranked among others. A person can be a great athlete based on talent, but to be the best, one must outperform all competitors.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
"Great" can refer to multiple aspects such as size, extent, or emotional intensity, apart from just quality. "Best" is almost always tied to the quality of something and is an absolute term that leaves no room for ambiguity. For example, a great novel can be lengthy and intense, but the best novel is unmatched in quality.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
In grammar, "great" is a simple adjective, whereas "best" serves as both an adjective and an adverb. While you can say that someone is doing great, saying someone is doing best would imply that the person is outperforming all others in that particular activity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
In summary, "great" is a versatile word indicating something above average or large in scope but does not imply being the ultimate. "Best" is definitive, making a clear claim of superiority, and involves a comparative element. A great effort is commendable, but the best effort surpasses all others.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Above average, large, or extreme.
Highest in quality, degree, or performance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Comparative Element

Generally not comparative.
Explicitly comparative and superlative.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Grammatical Role

Usually an adjective.
Serves as both an adjective and an adverb.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Context of Usage

Can be used loosely.
Specific and makes a strong claim.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023

Flexibility

Applies to multiple dimensions (size, quality).
Typically applies to quality.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
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Great and Best Definitions

Great

Significantly above average in quality.
She is a great musician.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Best

Highest in quality or excellence.
She is the best musician in town.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023

Great

Very large in size, extent, or intensity
A great pile of rubble.
A great storm.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Most enjoyable or desirable.
This is the best movie I've ever seen.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Great

Of a larger size than other, similar forms
The great anteater.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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Best

Highest in skill or achievement.
He is the best chess player in the world.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023

Great

Large in quantity or number
A great throng awaited us.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Surpassing all others in excellence, achievement, or quality; most excellent
The best performer.
The best grade of ore.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Extensive in time or distance
A great delay.
A great way off.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Most satisfactory, suitable, or useful; most desirable
The best solution.
The best time for planting.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Remarkable or outstanding in magnitude, degree, or extent
A great crisis.
Great anticipation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Greatest; most
He spoke for the best part of an hour.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Of outstanding significance or importance
A great work of art.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Most highly skilled
The best doctor in town.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Chief or principal
The great house on the estate.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

In a most excellent way; most creditably or advantageously.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Superior in quality or character; noble
A great man who dedicated himself to helping others.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

To the greatest degree or extent; most
"He was certainly the best hated man in the ship" (W. Somerset Maugham).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Powerful; influential
One of the great nations of the West.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

One that surpasses all others.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Eminent; distinguished
A great leader.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

The best part, moment, or value
The best is still to come. Let's get the best out of life.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Very good; first-rate
We had a great time at the dance.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

The optimum condition or quality
Look your best. She was at her best in the freestyle competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Very skillful
She is great at algebra.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

One's nicest or most formal clothing.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Enthusiastic
A great lover of music.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

The supreme effort one can make
Doing our best.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Being one generation removed from the relative specified. Often used in combination
A great-granddaughter.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

One's warmest wishes or regards
Give them my best.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

(Archaic) Pregnant.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

To get the better of; beat
"I'm a rough customer, I expect, but I know when I'm bested" (Nathanael West).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Pl. greats or great One that is great
A composer considered among the greats.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Most; largest.
Unpacking took the best part of a week.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

A division of most pipe organs, usually containing the most powerful ranks of pipes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Most superior; most favorable.
In my opinion, mushrooms are the best pizza toppings.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

A similar division of other organs.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

To the most advantage; with the most success, cause, profit, benefit, or propriety.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Very well
Got along great with the teacher.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

(uncountable) The supreme effort one can make, or has made.
I did my best.
My personal best in that race is eighteen minutes, four seconds.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Used as an intensive with certain adjectives
A great big kiss.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

(uncountable) One's best behavior.
I was somewhat distant lately, and my lady promised me head every Tuesday of the week when I'm nice to her, so I better be on my best.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

(augmentative) Large, senior high-ranking, intense, extreme, or exceptional
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

(countable) The person (or persons; or thing or things) that is (are) most excellent.
Even the best of us makes mistakes.
We're the best of friends.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Relatively large in scale, size, extent, number (i.e. having many parts or members) or duration (i.e. relatively long); very big.
A great storm is approaching our shores.
A great assembly
A great wait
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

To surpass in skill or achievement.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Title referring to an important leader.
Alexander the Great
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

(transitive) To beat in a contest.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Of larger size or more importance than others of its kind.
The great auk
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Had best.
It's getting late. You best get on home.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

(informal) Very good; excellent; wonderful; fantastic.
Dinner was great.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Having good qualities in the highest degree; most good, kind, desirable, suitable, etc.; most excellent; as, the best man; the best road; the best cloth; the best abilities.
When he is best, he is a little worse than a man.
Heaven's last, best gift, my ever new delight.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Intensifying a word or expression, used in mild oaths.
A dirty great smack in the face
Great Scott!
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Most advanced; most correct or complete; as, the best scholar; the best view of a subject.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

(qualifying nouns of family relationship) Involving more generations than the qualified word implies — as many extra generations as repetitions of the word great (from 1510s). [see Derived terms]
Great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, great-great-great-grandfather
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Most; largest; as, the best part of a week.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Pregnant; large with young; full of.
Great with child
Great with hope
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Utmost; highest endeavor or state; most nearly perfect thing, or being, or action; as, to do one's best; to the best of our ability.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Intimate; familiar.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

In the highest degree; beyond all others.
He prayeth best, who loveth bestAll things both great and small.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Extreme or more than usual.
Great worry
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

To the most advantage; with the most success, case, profit, benefit, or propriety.
Had we best retire? I see a storm.
Had I not best go to her?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Of significant importance or consequence; important.
A great decision
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Most intimately; most thoroughly or correctly; as, what is expedient is best known to himself.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

(applied to actions, thoughts and feelings) Arising from or possessing idealism; admirable; superior; commanding; heroic; illustrious; eminent.
A great deed
A great nature
A great history
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

To get the better of.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Impressive or striking.
A great show of wealth
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

The supreme effort one can make;
They did their best
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Much in use; favoured.
Poetry was a great convention of the Romantic era.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

The person who is most outstanding or excellent; someone who tops all others;
He could beat the best of them
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

(applied to persons) Endowed with extraordinary powers; of exceptional talents or achievements; uncommonly gifted; able to accomplish vast results; remarkable; strong; powerful; mighty; noble.
A great hero, scholar, genius, philosopher, writer etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Canadian physiologist (born in the United States) who assisted F. G. Banting in research leading to the discovery of insulin (1899-1978)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Doing or exemplifying (a characteristic or pursuit) on a large scale; active or enthusiastic.
What a great buffoon!
He's not a great one for reading.
A great walker
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Get the better of;
The goal was to best the competition
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

(often followed by 'at') Skilful or adroit.
A great carpenter
You are great at singing.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

(superlative of `good') having the most positive qualities;
The best film of the year
The best solution
The best time for planting
Wore his best suit
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Expression of gladness and content about something.
Great! Thanks for the wonderful work.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

(comparative and superlative of `well') wiser or more advantageous and hence advisable;
It would be better to speak to him
The White House thought it best not to respond
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Sarcastic inversion thereof.
Oh, great! I just dumped all 500 sheets of the manuscript all over and now I have to put them back in order.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

In a most excellent way or manner;
He played best after a couple of martinis
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

A person of major significance, accomplishment or acclaim.
Newton and Einstein are two of the greats of the history of science.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

It would be sensible;
You'd best stay at home
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

(music) The main division in a pipe organ, usually the loudest division.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

From a position of superiority or authority;
Father knows best
I know better.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

(in combinations such as "two-greats", "three-greats" etc.) An instance of the word "great" signifying an additional generation in phrases expressing family relationships.
My three-greats grandmother.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Most suitable or appropriate.
This is the best route to take.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023

Great

(informal) Very well in a very satisfactory manner.
Those mechanical colored pencils work great because they don't have to be sharpened.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Best

Most advantageous or effective.
The best method for solving the problem is...
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023

Great

Large in space; of much size; big; immense; enormous; expanded; - opposed to small and little; as, a great house, ship, farm, plain, distance, length.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Large in number; numerous; as, a great company, multitude, series, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Long continued; lengthened in duration; prolonged in time; as, a great while; a great interval.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Superior; admirable; commanding; - applied to thoughts, actions, and feelings.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Endowed with extraordinary powers; uncommonly gifted; able to accomplish vast results; strong; powerful; mighty; noble; as, a great hero, scholar, genius, philosopher, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Holding a chief position; elevated: lofty: eminent; distinguished; foremost; principal; as, great men; the great seal; the great marshal, etc.
He doth object I am too great of birth.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Entitled to earnest consideration; weighty; important; as, a great argument, truth, or principle.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Pregnant; big (with young).
The ewes great with young.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

More than ordinary in degree; very considerable in degree; as, to use great caution; to be in great pain.
We have allGreat cause to give great thanks.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Older, younger, or more remote, by single generation; - often used before grand to indicate one degree more remote in the direct line of descent; as, great-grandfather (a grandfather's or a grandmother's father), great-grandson, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

The whole; the gross; as, a contract to build a ship by the great.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind;
A great juicy steak
A great multitude
The great auk
A great old oak
A great ocean liner
A great delay
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

More than usual;
Great expectations
Great worry
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation;
Our distinguished professor
An eminent scholar
A great statesman
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Of major significance or importance;
A great work of art
Einstein was one of the outstanding figures of the 20th century
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Remarkable or out of the ordinary in degree or magnitude or effect;
A great crisis
Had a great stake in the outcome
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Very good;
He did a bully job
A neat sports car
Had a great time at the party
You look simply smashing
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Uppercase;
Capital A
Great A
Many medieval manuscripts are in majuscule script
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Marked by active interest and enthusiasm;
An avid sports fan
A great walker
An eager beaver
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

In an advanced stage of pregnancy;
Was big with child
Was great with child
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023

Great

Large in size or extent.
He built a great empire.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Great

Intense or extreme in degree.
They felt great sorrow.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023

Great

Distinguished or notable.
Einstein is a great scientist.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023

Great

Very satisfactory or pleasing.
We had a great time at the party.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023

FAQs

What does "best" mean?

"Best" means the highest in quality, most suitable, or most effective among all.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Can something be both great and best?

Yes, something can be both great (above average) and the best (highest in quality).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Can "great" be used as an adverb?

Not usually, it's predominantly an adjective.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023

What does "great" mean?

"Great" means above average in quality, large in size, or intense in degree.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Does "great" always imply a comparison?

No, "great" can be used without necessarily comparing to other things.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023

Can "best" be used as an adverb?

Yes, "best" can serve as both an adjective and an adverb.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Does "best" always imply a comparison?

Yes, "best" inherently implies a comparison with other things.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023

Can "great" be used to describe size?

Yes, "great" can describe something that is large in size.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023

Is "best" always about quality?

Mostly yes, "best" typically refers to the highest quality or suitability.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023

Is "greatest" the superlative of "great"?

Yes, "greatest" is the superlative form of "great."
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023

Is "great" always about quality?

No, "great" can also refer to size, intensity, and other attributes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Can "best" be used to describe size?

Not usually, "best" is primarily about quality or suitability.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023

Is "best" the superlative of "good"?

Yes, "best" is the superlative form of "good."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023

Can multiple things be "great"?

Yes, many things can be described as "great."
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023

Can multiple things be "best"?

In most contexts, only one thing can be described as the "best."
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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