great deeds

Meanings

1. 1nounpluralformalliterary

   Brave or impressive actions that people admire, especially in stories or history.

   Grammar: Always plural; the singular 'great deed' is rare and usually sounds odd.

   Patterns

   • do great deeds
   • perform great deeds
   • be remembered for great deeds

   The poem celebrates the great deeds of a legendary hero.

   He was honored for his great deeds during the war.

   History books often record great deeds but forget ordinary kindness.

2. 2nounpluralformal

   Notable or impressive achievements, often in a particular field.

   Grammar: Takes plural verbs: 'Great deeds were done.'

   Patterns

   • great deeds in something
   • a list of great deeds

   The scientist's great deeds changed medicine forever.

   Her great deeds in education earned her a national award.

Common combinations

do great deeds

The knights set out to do great deeds.

perform great deeds

She performed great deeds for her community.

great deeds of the past

The museum tells stories of great deeds of the past.

be remembered for great deeds

He will be remembered for his great deeds.

Synonyms and how they differ

heroic acts

Focuses on courage and danger, while 'great deeds' can also mean impressive achievements without risk.

exploits

Often suggests exciting adventures; 'great deeds' is more solemn and moral.

achievements

A neutral, everyday word; 'great deeds' sounds grander and more literary.

Word family

deed noun

A single action, especially a brave or notable one.

doer noun

A person who acts, usually in 'a doer of great deeds'.

Commonly confused: great deeds or deeds?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “great deeds”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words