Paucity

Noun

Definition: The presence of something in inadequate amounts; scarcity or lack.

Synonyms: Scarcity, Insufficiency, Dearth

Antonyms: Abundance, Plentifulness, Profusion

Examples:
  • The paucity of funds resulted in the cancellation of the project.
  • The paucity of resources hindered the team's progress.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "poverty" when trying to remember the meaning of paucity, as both words describe a lack or scarcity of something.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "paucity" originated from the Latin word "paucus" which means "few" or "little".

Historical Usage:

The word has been in use since the late 16th century and has maintained its meaning of scarcity or lack throughout history.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"A paucity of options"

Explanation:

Refers to a limited or insufficient number of choices or alternatives.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "paucity" with "plenty" due to their similar pronunciation.

Explanation:

"Paucity" actually means the opposite of "plenty," indicating a shortage or lack of something. It is important to understand the context of the sentence and the specific meaning of the word to avoid confusion.

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