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Glite Dictionary
Gregory the Great

Gregory the Great

1 7.4
An early Italian pope who became a saint and led the Roman Church
  • proper noun
: Gregorio Magno
  • Did Gregory the Great write any famous texts?
  • Pope Gregory the Great

Examples

  • Gregory the Great implemented important reforms in the early Church that influenced Christianity for centuries.

  • Pope Gregory the Great reformed the liturgy.

  • Many historians credit Gregory the Great with the development of Gregorian chant.

  • The writings of Gregory the Great are still studied by theologians today.

  • Pope Gregory the Great is revered for his contributions to the development of the early Church.

  • During his papacy, Gregory the Great implemented significant reforms in Church administration.

  • Many consider Gregory the Great a pivotal figure in shaping the spiritual practices of Roman Catholicism.

Synonyms

Gregory I
vsGregory the Great
1 9.6

An Italian pope from about 540 to 604 known for his church leadership and seen as a saint

is the honorary title highlighting reputation rather than nationality or duties
Pope Gregory I
vsGregory the Great
1 7.4

A pope from 590 to 604 who is known for changing worship and rules in the Catholic Church

is the traditional honorary title commonly used as the short historic form
Saint Gregory I
vsGregory the Great
8.1

Pope of the Roman Catholic Church around 540 to 604 who is a saint

is the more familiar honorary title used instead of the full formal name

Surface Forms

Gregory the Great main

Morphology

Gregory + the + great

A B1 learner who knows 'Gregory', 'the' and 'great' can reasonably infer this labels a person named Gregory who is notable or historically important because 'the Great' is a productive epithet (e.g. Alexander the Great). However, the specific biographical meaning here (that he was a pope, saint, and his historical dates) cannot be derived from the constituents and requires prior cultural/historical knowledge.

Etymology

Gregory the Great may have got his name from the very large influence he had as a pope long ago. He made big changes in the Church, helped the poor, and inspired the music called 'Gregorian chant', so people call him 'the Great' to show his lasting importance.