Plethora
/ˈplɛθərə/
nounC1
Definition
Plethora is a noun used to describe having a lot of something, usually more than necessary. It often means there is an extra or too much of something, like many options or things in large quantity.
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See It in Action
A very large amount or number of something
- •There was a plethora of books in the library for every kind of reader.
- •The festival offered a plethora of food options from around the world.
- •She has a plethora of ideas for the new project.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "plethora" like "many" or "a lot," but much bigger—like a huge pile instead of just a few
- ✓Picture a table full of food with so many dishes that you don’t know what to try first
- ✓It’s the feeling when you have too many choices and it becomes hard to decide
- ✓Sounds like "PLETH-uh-ruh" → imagine a big plate (pleth) full of many small things all mixed together
- ✓Think of a story where a character finds a treasure chest overflowing with gold coins—more than they can carry
- ✓NOT like "some" or "few" (small amounts), "plethora" means a very large number or amount
- ✓NOT like "scarcity" (lack or not enough), "plethora" is the opposite with too much or excess
- ✓NOT like "variety" (different kinds), "plethora" focuses on large quantity, not just different types
Try Other Words
- •Abundance: a large amount, often positive (Use when you want to say there is plenty, usually good)
- •Excess: more than needed or wanted (Use when the extra amount is too much or not good)
- •Surplus: extra amount beyond what is needed (Use in formal or economic contexts)
- •Large number: simple phrase for many things (Use in casual or general contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix, whole word from Greek origin)
- •Etymology: From Greek "plethore" meaning fullness or excess
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 15th century, originally meaning fullness or excess amount
- •Modern usage: Used to describe a very large or excessive amount of something, often in writing or formal speech
Reflect & Connect
•Can having a plethora of choices sometimes make decisions harder? Why or why not?
•How does the idea of "plethora" relate to the way we use resources or make plans in daily life?
Fill in the blanks
1.The store had a plethora of ___, so customers could find almost anything they wanted.
2.When there is a plethora of options, people often feel ___ because it is hard to choose.
3.Unlike a small collection, a plethora means there is a ___ number of items.
4.The phrase "a plethora of" is often used to show there is more than ___ needed.
5.You might say there is a plethora of information online, but not all of it is ___.
6.In the meeting, she presented a plethora of ideas, which made the team ___ about what to do next.
7.A plethora of food at a party usually means there is ___ enough for everyone to eat a lot.