伟大
wěidà · HSK 3
great
伟大 = wěi (great) + dà (big) — two words for 'big' stacked
伟 alone means great or extraordinary; 大 means big. Chinese often pairs near-synonyms to form a stronger compound, so 伟大 reads as great-big = truly great, mighty. Used for people, achievements, nations — not physical size.
大 — pictograph of a person with arms outstretched
大 is a pictograph showing a person standing with arms and legs spread wide. The outstretched arms suggest 'big' or 'great', extending from the literal image of a large stance to abstract meanings like important or grand. It is one of the oldest characters, found on oracle bones.