As a noun, grate means a fireplace or a framework of crossed bars. As a verb, grate means to grind, scrape, or irritate.
The adjective great means much more than average or ordinary in size, extent, volume, value, or importance.
Examples:
- Bits of wood crackled in the grate.
- Harvey's laughter made Aunt Karen grate her teeth.
- "I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world." (Mahatma Gandhi)
Practice:
(a) Moby Dick, the _____ white whale, was a symbol of the world's evils to Captain Ahab.
(b) The holes in the _____ provide ample draft.
(c) Harold's first _____ mistake was attempting to cheat on the exam.
