Words / B1

GROHS/ɡrəʊs/

Gross means before deductions: gross pay; gross domestic product (GDP). It also means very unpleasant, or obviously unacceptable (gross misconduct). Net is the opposite for pay. Do not mix gross with grocer. Contracts show gross and net salary. Informal “gross” = disgusting — avoid in formal writing.

Meaning

Before tax or other costs (gross pay); also very unpleasant; also obviously wrong (gross misconduct).

Examples

• “Compare gross salary with take-home pay on the contract.”
• “He was dismissed for gross misconduct, which is the HR sense.”

Good to know

gross pay / salary / GDP. Opposite (pay): net. HR: gross misconduct. Informal: disgusting (avoid in exams). Mix-up: grocer.

New