What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
biggest
Example
That is the biggest cake I have ever seen! [biggest: adjective]
Example
She has the biggest collection of stamps in the world. [biggest: adjective]
greatest
Example
He is considered one of the greatest musicians of all time. [greatest: adjective]
Example
The discovery of penicillin was one of the greatest breakthroughs in medicine. [greatest: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Biggest is more commonly used than greatest in everyday language. Biggest is a word that is frequently used to describe size, quantity, or importance in a wide range of situations. On the other hand, greatest is less common and tends to be used in more specific or exceptional circumstances.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between biggest and greatest?
Both biggest and greatest can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, greatest may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with achievements, excellence, and historical significance.
