Abundance
Pronunciation
MW3 1976|page=8Alternative forms
- obsolete abundaunce
- obsolete habundance
- obsolete boundance
- card games abondance
Origin
From Middle English abundaunce, habaundance,
SOED5|page=10
, abondance, from Latin abundantia ("fullness, plenty"), from abundÅ ("to overflow"). See abound.
Full definition of abundance
Noun
abundance
(plural abundances)- A large quantity; many. First attested around 1150 to 1350.
- An overflowing fullness or ample sufficiency; profusion; copious supply; superfluity; plentifulness. First attested around 1350 to 1470.
- unknown date Sir Walter RaleighIt is lamentable to remember what abundance of noble blood hath been shed with small benefit to the Christian state.
- Wealth; affluence; plentiful amount of resources. First attested around 1350 to 1470.
- Frequency, amount, ratio of something within a given environment or sample. First attested in the late 19th century.
- (card games) A bid to take nine or more tricks in solo whist. First attested in the late 19th century.
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.