Word
gross
Meanings
Extremely unpleasant, disgusting, or offensive.
The total amount before anything is deducted (for example, before taxes or costs).
A total amount or overall quantity, especially before deductions.
Definition
Gross means extremely unpleasant or unacceptable, or it can mean the total amount before anything is taken away.
Gross is most often used to describe something that feels disgusting, offensive, or very unpleasant. In business or everyday measuring, gross can also mean the whole amount before deductions, such as gross pay before taxes. It can describe the total weight including packaging as well. The meaning is usually clear from context.
Examples
- I found the smell in the fridge absolutely gross after we got back from vacation.
- You might think the joke is harmless, but I consider it gross and disrespectful.
- He compared his gross pay to his take-home pay and finally understood why the difference was so large.
- She refused to touch the sticky floor because it looked gross in the dim light.
- They reported gross sales for the quarter, then explained the costs that reduced the final figure.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse gross (total, before deductions) with net (final amount after deductions).
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
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- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.