Conclusion
The phrase “a great deal of” is commonly used in English language to describe a large amount of something. It’s a versatile phrase that can be used in different contexts to convey a variety of meanings. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and various meanings of “a great deal of.”
Definitions
“A great deal of” is an idiomatic expression that means a large amount or quantity of something. It can also be used to describe a significant degree or extent of something. The phrase is often used to emphasize the magnitude of something.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “a great deal of” can be traced back to Middle English. The word “deal” was used in the sense of “portion” or “quantity.” The addition of “great” to “deal” emphasizes the magnitude of the quantity.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “a great deal of” is defined similarly across various dictionaries. According to Merriam-Webster, it means “a lot of” or “a large amount of.” Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a considerable amount or quantity of something.”
Associations
The phrase “a great deal of” is often associated with emphasis and magnitude. It can be used to describe a significant amount of something, such as work, effort, or time.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms of “a great deal of,” including “a lot of,” “a ton of,” “a considerable amount of,” and “a large quantity of.”
Antonyms
The antonyms of “a great deal of” include “a little,” “a small amount of,” and “a few.”
The same root words
The phrase “a great deal of” is derived from Middle English, where “deal” meant “portion” or “quantity.” The word “deal” has roots in Old English, where it meant “part” or “division.”
Example Sentences
- “She has a great deal of work to do before the deadline.”
- “We need a great deal of funding to complete this project.”
- “He has a great deal of experience in this field.”
- “They spent a great deal of time preparing for the exam.”
In conclusion, “a great deal of” is a versatile phrase that can be used to describe a large amount or quantity of something. It is often used to emphasize the magnitude of something and is derived from Middle English. The phrase is commonly used in everyday language and is a useful tool for conveying emphasis and magnitude.