grand-

See also: grand, Grand, grànd, gränd, and grand'

English

Etymology

From Middle English, probably modelled after use of grand in Middle French (e.g., grandpere); see also grand.

Prefix

grand-

  1. of a generation removed from the original noun
    Seth is Amal's grandfather.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Anagrams

French

Etymology

From grand. Its invariability in certain uses reflects the invariability of Latin grandis.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ɡʁɑ̃/

Prefix

grand-

  1. grand-; indicates a relationship of ancestry one generation older than the noun: grand-mère (grandmother), grand-tante (great aunt).
    Antonym: petit-
  2. Non-productively used in certain conventional forms where grand before a feminine noun is invariable in usage: grand-chose, grand-messe, grand-rue.

Usage notes

  • grand- in kin terms indicates only the older generation; the younger generation is indicated with petit-: petit-fils (grandson).
  • grand- is invariable for gender. Usage is divided as to whether it varies for number when it is used with a feminine noun[1]: grand-mères/grands-mères (grandmothers). When used with a masculine noun, it varies for number: grands-pères (grandfathers).

Derived terms