many
//ˈmɛni//
Forms
- Comparative
- more
- Superlative
- most
Definitions
1.A multitude; a great aggregate; a mass of people; the generality; the common herd.
- Democracy must balance the rights of the few against the will of the many.
2.A considerable number.
- I know that my mother cried a many of times from decisions I made.
1.before a countable noun: A large, indefinite number of.
- Not many such people enjoyed playing chess.
- There are very many different ways to cook a meal.
- We spent many hours and days training, but running clubs boast many hundreds of faster members.
2.before a countable noun: (in combinations such as 'as many', 'so many', 'this many') Used to indicate, demonstrate or compare the number of people or things.
- We don't need this many bananas. Put some back.
- I don't have as many friends as my sister does.
- There may be as many as ten million species of insect.
1.A large, indefinite number of people or things.
- Many are called, but few are chosen.
- Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us..
1.Existing in large number; numerous.
Frequency
Overall
Very common· #113
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Common
- General reading & writing
- Very common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Uncommon
Etymology
From Middle English many, mani, moni, from Old English maniġ, moniġ, maneġ (“many”), from Proto-West Germanic *manag, from Proto-Germanic *managaz (“many; much”), from Proto-Indo-European *menegʰ-, *mengʰ- (“many, sufficient”) or Proto-Indo-European *méǵh₂- (“big, great”).