gross

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "gross" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something unsightly, disgusting, or unpleasant. For example: "The gross smell of rotting food filled the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can tell you what recorded history says, I can tell you what the Bible says, but I think that's a dispute amongst theologians and I think it has nothing to do with the gross domestic product or economic growth of the United States.

The New York Times

"Australia had signed up to a commitment to actually having 0.7% of gross national income as a target by 2016.

The Guardian

This month, the Portuguese government agreed with the main opposition party on more austerity measures to cut its deficit faster than planned, to 4.6 percent of Portugal's gross domestic product next year from 9.4 percent last year.

The New York Times

"It wasn't gross.

The Guardian - Film

According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, gross mortgage lending in the first three months of this year totalled an estimated £45bn, which was 12% down on the last three months of 2014, and 3% down on the first quarter of 2014.

The Guardian - Money

The budget underlined this plan, which means the amount of gross government debt outstanding will grow with the size of the economy, year in, year out, even when the government returns to surplus and the proceeds from asset sales flow to the government and bolster the headline cash budget balance.

The Guardian - Opinion

US gross domestic product (GDP), the broadest measure of the general economy, contracted for the first time in three years in early 2014, shrinking at an annual rate of 1% during the first quarter, the Commerce Department said last month.

The Guardian - Business

(Actually I'll be ok, whatever happens, as long as that hippy fairy from the UK doesn't steal this thing. That would be a gross miscarriage of justice).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In summer blockbuster season, the disparity can be even more pronounced: The Inbetweeners 2 opened at the top with a gross 72 times the 10th-placed film that weekend.

The Guardian - Film

The International Monetary Fund estimate of a 5.5% decline in gross domestic product this year looks wildly optimistic given hyper-inflation and the devastation caused to the eastern half of the country.

The Guardian

"Yet all too often the world's poorest people – the majority of who are women – miss out of these opportunities," she said, noting Papua New Guinea had one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the world despite having experienced more than 10 years of uninterrupted gross domestic product growth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gross" to describe financial figures, clarify whether you are referring to the amount before or after deductions to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "gross" informally in professional or academic writing when a more precise term like "total" or "entire" would be more appropriate. This can maintain a level of formality and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The word "gross" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as disgusting, large, or total. It can also function as a noun, referring to a total amount. Ludwig AI validates these uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

16%

Less common in

Opinion

7%

Lifestyle

5%

Money

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "gross" has multiple meanings and usages, ranging from describing something disgusting to indicating a total amount. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and widely used. It is very common in news and media, formal business contexts, and science. When using "gross", ensure clarity by specifying the context, whether it's related to finance, disgust, or visibility. Being mindful of formality and choosing precise language can enhance your writing. Remember that this word has several nuances and a deep understanding is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disgusting

Focuses specifically on the feeling of revulsion or strong dislike.

repulsive

Highlights the characteristic of causing intense aversion.

nasty

Emphasizes unpleasantness or offensiveness.

vulgar

Refers to a lack of refinement or good taste.

obscene

Indicates something offensive to accepted standards of decency.

total

Describes the complete amount before deductions.

entire

Indicates the whole or complete extent of something.

macroscopic

Relates to something visible without the aid of a microscope.

flagrant

Emphasizes something conspicuously or outrageously bad or reprehensible.

arrant

Describes something completely or utterly (often negative).

FAQs

How is "gross" used in financial contexts?

In finance, "gross" typically refers to the total amount before any deductions, such as taxes or expenses. For example, "gross income" is the total income earned before taxes are taken out.

When is it appropriate to use "gross" to mean disgusting?

Use "gross" to mean disgusting in informal settings when describing something highly unpleasant or offensive. Synonyms like "repulsive", "disgusting", or "nasty" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "gross" and "net"?

"Gross" refers to the total amount before deductions, while "net" refers to the amount remaining after all deductions have been made. For example, "gross profit" is the revenue before expenses, and "net profit" is the profit after all expenses are paid.

Can "gross" be used in scientific contexts?

Yes, in scientific or medical contexts, "gross" can refer to something that is visible to the naked eye, without the aid of a microscope. For example, a "gross" anatomy examination refers to a visual inspection of organs or tissues.