Greatly vs. Significantly — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
Greatly refers to a large or notable degree of change or effect, often expressing more subjective magnitude, while significantly indicates an important, sizable, or meaningful impact, frequently used in statistical or analytical contexts.
Difference Between Greatly and Significantly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Greatly is typically used to describe changes or impacts that are extensive and noticeable, often emphasizing the depth or intensity of an effect. Whereas significantly is used to highlight the importance or consequential nature of a change, particularly in contexts where the impact can be measured or quantified.
Greatly often carries a more emotional or qualitative connotation, suggesting a substantial degree of difference or change in a more personal or subjective sense. On the other hand, significantly tends to be used in formal or scientific discourse, where precision and quantification are necessary.
When describing personal experiences or feelings, "greatly" is more appropriate, as it reflects the intensity or scale of an effect from a personal perspective. In contrast, "significantly" is preferred in academic or professional settings, where the emphasis is on demonstrable and substantial impacts.
In literary or everyday language, greatly might be used to express a large extent or scope, such as greatly appreciating someone's help or being greatly moved by a performance. Whereas significantly might appear in contexts like research papers or formal reports, indicating statistically relevant outcomes or significant findings.
The choice between greatly and significantly often depends on the context: greatly suits more emotional, qualitative descriptions, while significantly fits scenarios requiring factual accuracy and measurable assessment.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To a great extent or degree.
In a significant manner, with noticeable impact.
Connotation
Emotional, subjective magnitude.
Important, measurable impact.
Typical Usage
Describing personal feelings or general changes.
Used in formal, scientific, or statistical contexts.
Example Contexts
Personal experiences, emotional reactions.
Academic research, business analysis.
Precision
Less precise, more qualitative.
More precise, often quantifiable.
Compare with Definitions
Greatly
Considerably; significantly in a non-statistical sense.
The project has greatly benefited from her expertise.
Significantly
In a significant or considerable manner.
The cost of living has increased significantly.
Greatly
To a notable degree.
The community was greatly affected by the policy changes.
Significantly
In a substantial manner.
The budget cuts will significantly affect their operations.
Greatly
In a great manner.
The novel was greatly admired by critics.
Significantly
Importantly, in terms of influence or effect.
His work has significantly shaped the field.
Greatly
To a large extent; much.
His attitude has greatly improved over the years.
Significantly
Noticeably; in a way that is easily seen or understood.
The quality of the product has improved significantly.
Greatly
Very much; a lot.
They were greatly surprised by the unexpected visit.
Significantly
To a degree that is statistically or analytically meaningful.
The new treatment significantly reduced the symptoms.
Greatly
By a considerable amount; very much
They now have greatly increased powers
I admire him greatly
Significantly
Having or expressing a meaning
Are the markings on the stone significant?.
Greatly
Very large in size, extent, or intensity
A great pile of rubble.
A great storm.
Significantly
Having or expressing a covert or nonverbal meaning; suggestive
A significant glance.
Greatly
Of a larger size than other, similar forms
The great anteater.
Significantly
Having or likely to have a major effect; important
A significant change in the tax laws.
Greatly
Large in quantity or number
A great throng awaited us.
Significantly
Fairly large in amount or quantity
Significant casualties.
No significant opposition.
Greatly
Extensive in time or distance
A great delay.
A great way off.
Significantly
(Statistics) Of or relating to observations or occurrences that are too closely correlated to be attributed to chance and therefore indicate a systematic relationship.
Greatly
Remarkable or outstanding in magnitude, degree, or extent
A great crisis.
Great anticipation.
Significantly
In a significant manner or to a significant extent.
Irene's English significantly improved after taking a year out in Ireland.
The quality of life is significantly higher than it was twenty years ago.
Greatly
Of outstanding significance or importance
A great work of art.
Significantly
In a significant manner.
Greatly
Chief or principal
The great house on the estate.
Significantly
In a statistically significant way;
The two groups differed significantly
Greatly
Superior in quality or character; noble
A great man who dedicated himself to helping others.
Significantly
In a significant manner;
Our budget will be significantly affected by these new cuts
Greatly
Powerful; influential
One of the great nations of the West.
Significantly
In an important way or to an important degree;
More importantly, Weber held that the manifold meaning attached to the event by the social scientist could alter his definition of the concrete event itself
Greatly
Eminent; distinguished
A great leader.
Greatly
Very good; first-rate
We had a great time at the dance.
Greatly
Very skillful
She is great at algebra.
Greatly
Enthusiastic
A great lover of music.
Greatly
Being one generation removed from the relative specified. Often used in combination
A great-granddaughter.
Greatly
(Archaic) Pregnant.
Greatly
Pl. greats or great One that is great
A composer considered among the greats.
Greatly
A division of most pipe organs, usually containing the most powerful ranks of pipes.
Greatly
A similar division of other organs.
Greatly
Very well
Got along great with the teacher.
Greatly
Used as an intensive with certain adjectives
A great big kiss.
Greatly
To a great extent or degree.
Expenses greatly exceeded revenues this year.
He was more greatly beloved than anyone in living memory.
Greatly
(archaic) Nobly; magnanimously.
Greatly
In a great degree; much.
I will greatly multiply thy sorrow.
Greatly
Nobly; illustriously; magnanimously.
By a high fate thou greatly didst expire.
Greatly
To a great extent or degree;
He improved greatly
Greatly reduced
Common Curiosities
Can greatly and significantly be used interchangeably?
They can sometimes overlap in casual use, but they often have different implications, especially in formal contexts.
How does significantly convey importance?
Significantly conveys importance by indicating that something has a notable effect or impact, often in a way that can be clearly demonstrated or measured.
Is significantly always related to statistics?
While significantly is frequently used in statistical contexts to denote importance or impact, it can also mean simply "to a great extent" in non-statistical descriptions.
What type of impact does significantly imply?
Significantly implies a substantial, often quantifiable impact that is important in the context in which it is used.
Is significantly a stronger term than greatly?
Not necessarily stronger, but significantly often implies a more measurable and concrete impact compared to the more subjective greatly.
What is the main difference in use between greatly and significantly?
Greatly is often used for subjective, emotional assessments, while significantly is used for measurable or statistically important impacts.
Which is more appropriate for describing personal feelings, greatly or significantly?
Greatly is more suitable for expressing personal feelings due to its subjective and emotional connotation.
Can I use greatly in academic writing?
Greatly can be used in academic writing, but it is less precise than significantly and typically suits more qualitative descriptions.
Why might one choose greatly over significantly in storytelling?
In storytelling, greatly might be chosen to enhance the emotional or dramatic impact of the narrative.
How do the connotations of greatly and significantly affect their use in news reports?
In news reports, greatly might be used to describe significant events or effects in a broad, impactful sense, while significantly would be used when referring to specific, measurable changes.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
