marele

Marele is a Romanian-language term that functions as an epithet meaning “the great.” It appears as part of proper names and toponymic compounds, and it is used in both historical and contemporary contexts to indicate prominence, size, or significance of a feature or person.

Etymology and form: Marele derives from the adjective mare, meaning large or great, and is used in its definite form within compound names. In phrases referring to a specific entity, Marele helps convey that the referenced feature or figure is notable within a given landscape or history.

Geographic and toponymic usage: In Romanian- and Moldova-speaking regions, Marele occurs frequently in place names and geographic descriptors. It is often translated into English as “the Great,” and can apply to mountains, lakes, rivers, villages, or districts that are distinguished from nearby, smaller features. Examples of the pattern include forms such as Marele Lac (the Great Lake) or Marele Munte (the Great Mountain), where the epithet marks prominence relative to surrounding features. As a component of place names, Marele helps establish identity and historical memory for local landscapes.

Cultural and historical usage: Beyond geography, Marele is used as an honorific or descriptive epithet in historical titles and literary expressions. It can appear in references to rulers, cultural figures, or awards, signaling distinction or exceptional status within Romanian-speaking contexts.

See also: Mare (disambiguation), toponymic epithets, Romanian language adjectives.