abundance
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Alternative forms
[edit] Etymology
From Middle English abundance, from Old French abundance, from Latin abundantia, from abundō. See abound.
[edit] Pronunciation
-
Audio (US) (file)
[edit] Noun
abundance (plural abundances)
- An overflowing fullness or ample sufficiency; profusion; copious supply; superfluity; wealth.
-
- It is lamentable to remember what abundance of noble blood hath been shed with small benefit to the Christian state. - Sir Walter Raleigh
-
- (sciences) Frequency, amount, ratio of something within a given environment.
[edit] Usage notes
- Synonym notes: Abundance, Plenty, Exuberance. These words rise upon each other in expressing the idea of fullness.
- Plenty denotes a sufficiency to supply every want; as, plenty of food, plenty of money, etc.
- Abundance express more, and gives the idea of superfluity or excess; as, abundance of riches, an abundance of wit and humor; often, however, it only denotes plenty in a high degree.
- Exuberance rises still higher, and implies a bursting forth on every side, producing great superfluity or redundance; as, an exuberance of mirth, an exuberance of animal spirits, etc.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
ample sufficiency
|
|
[edit] References
- abundance in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
