gross

Everyday

1. (informal) Gross means disgusting, very unpleasant: «Ew, that's gross!» tree →
2. Gross means total, before anything is taken away: gross weight, gross pay. tree →
3. A gross is 144, which is twelve dozen. tree →
4. (formal) Gross means very bad and obvious: a gross mistake. tree →
5. (verb) To gross is to earn a total amount of money. tree →
6. Long ago, gross could mean coarse, common or low-born, rather than fine or delicate. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: gross weight = goods + packaging; net weight = goods only. Gross pay is pay before tax; net pay is after. A gross is 12 × 12 = 144. In everyday talk children say «gross!» about slimy, smelly things. In formal language «gross misconduct» means very bad behaviour.

Examples

• Ew, there's a slug in my shoe — gross! tree →
• The gross weight of the box is 5 kg and the box itself is 1 kg. tree →
• His gross pay is £300, but he takes home less after tax. tree →
• A gross is twelve dozen, which is 144. tree →
• (formal) It was a gross error to leave the gate open. tree →
• The film grossed millions at the cinema. tree →
• Picking your nose is gross. tree →

Note

Opposite of «gross» in money and weight is «net». In maths: net = gross − deductions; net weight = gross weight − packaging; 1 gross = 144. The «disgusting» sense is informal and common in North America, Australia and the UK.

In Jewish tradition

It describes Israel (Jeshurun) growing fat and proud on good things and then forgetting God who made it. The Psalms speak of a "gross heart" shut tight against God and speaking proudly, and Isaiah speaks of "gross darkness," a thick darkness covering the peoples.

Interpretation. The commentators read it as a warning that comfort and plenty can make people forget God and the Torah. The psalmist contrasts the gross heart of the proud with his own delight in God's law. Isaiah's gross darkness is read as the dark of the nations before God's light rises on Israel.

Examples

• But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked — thou didst wax fat, thou didst grow thick, thou didst become gross — and he forsook God who made him, and contemned the Rock of his salvation. (Torah DEU.32.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• Their heart is gross like fat; but I delight in Thy law. (Writings PSA.119.70, JPS 1917) tree →
• Their gross heart they have shut tight, with their mouth they speak proudly. (Writings PSA.17.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples; but upon thee the LORD will arise, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. (Prophets ISA.60.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Opposite of «gross» in money and weight is «net». In maths: net = gross − deductions; net weight = gross weight − packaging; 1 gross = 144. The «disgusting» sense is informal and common in North America, Australia and the UK.