grandeur

[ gran-jer, -joor ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being impressive or awesome:

   the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains.

2. the quality or state of being lofty or elevated in conception or treatment:

   the grandeur of a prose style.

3. the quality or state of being exalted in some deliberate way:

   the grandeur of a royal court.

   Synonyms: stateliness, splendor, pomp, majesty

4. an instance of something that is grand:

   the grandeurs of Rembrandt's paintings.

grandeur

/ ˈɡrændʒə /

noun

1. personal greatness, esp when based on dignity, character, or accomplishments
2. magnificence; splendour
3. pretentious or bombastic behaviour

Word History and Origins

Origin of grandeur¹

1490–1500; < French, Old French, equivalent to grand- grand + -eur -or ¹

Example Sentences

“The Idiot” is a nearly five-hour slog by a Polish-Russian contemporary of Shostakovich about another Dostoevsky outsider who succumbs to visions of grandeur.

From Los Angeles Times

His Liverpool recording of Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony, released in the spring, has a glow and grandeur that allows it to stand out in a very crowded field.

From Los Angeles Times

Best known for his use of lotus and peacock motifs, Bal used rich fabrics like velvet and brocade - his designs were elaborate, inspired by Indian grandeur and royalty.

From BBC

In September 2022 BBC News NI cameras were granted access to capture the faded grandeur of the building before it was gone for good.

From BBC

The staggering scale and grandeur of the Sierra Nevada make for a breathtaking autumn spectacle when the trees explode in gold and amber.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beauty
• breadth
• brilliance
• dignity
• glory
• grandiosity
• gravity
• greatness
• magnificence
• majesty
• nobility
• opulence
• pomp
• richness
• splendor
• vastness