Gross

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Gross

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective, noun, and verb

Pronunciation

grohss  /ɡrəʊs/

Definition

As an adjective: unattractively large or exaggerated; disgusting or repulsive; (of income) before deductions; blatant or obvious (a gross error). As a noun: a quantity of twelve dozen (144); the total amount before deductions. As a verb: to earn as total revenue before deductions.

Plain meaning

Gross means disgusting or obviously bad (a gross injustice), or the total amount before any deductions (gross income). It also names the quantity of 144 (twelve dozen), and as a verb means to earn a total before expenses.

Register

Multiple registers. The commercial gross is neutral and technical. The moral gross (gross negligence) is serious and legal or formal. The informal gross meaning disgusting is very informal, widely used, and particularly associated with younger speakers.