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English
Etymology
Middle English abundance, Old French abundance, from Latin abundantia, from abundō. See abound.
Pronunciation
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Audio (US) (file)
Noun
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Singular abundance |
Plural abundances |
abundance (plural abundances)
- An overflowing fullness or ample sufficiency; profusion; copious supply; superfluity; wealth.
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- It is lamentable to remember what abundance of noble blood hath been shed with small benefit to the Christian state. - Sir Walter Raleigh
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- (sciences) Frequency, amount, ratio of something within a given environment.
Synonyms
- Exuberance; plenteousness; plenty; copiousness; overflow; riches; affluence; wealth.
- 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.
Related terms
References
- abundance in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
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