der Großteil, -e
major part · most · majority
der größte Teil von etwas; mehr als die Hälfte
Definition & meaning
der Großteil means the greater part, the bulk, or the majority of something. It refers to most of a group or amount, though not necessarily every member or item.
- Der Großteil der Arbeit ist erledigt. — Most of the work is finished.
- Ein Großteil der Gäste kam pünktlich. — The majority of the guests arrived on time.
Grammar & word origin
Großteil is a masculine noun: der Großteil. Its plural is die Großteile, though it is most commonly used in the singular.
It is a compound of groß (“large” or “great”) and Teil (“part”). It is often followed by a genitive phrase, as in der Großteil der Bevölkerung (“the majority of the population”), or by von with the dative. The noun is generally treated as singular.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- der größte Teil — “the largest part”; emphasizes the largest portion.
- die Mehrheit — “the majority”; especially common when referring to people or votes.
- der Hauptteil — “the main part”; emphasizes what is central or most important, not just most numerous.
- der überwiegende Teil — “the predominant part”; emphasizes that one part clearly outweighs the rest.
Antonyms:
- der kleinere Teil — “the smaller part.”
- die Minderheit — “the minority,” especially of a group of people or votes.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Viele Unternehmen investieren einen Großteil ihres Budgets in Marketing.noun
Many companies invest a major part of their budgets in marketing.
Den Großteil meiner Freizeit verbringe ich draußen.noun
I spend most of my free time outdoors.
Der Großteil der Gäste kam mit dem Bus.noun
The majority of the guests came by bus.
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