Plethora
Noun
Definition: A large or excessive amount of something.
Synonyms: Abundance, Excess, Surplus
Antonyms: Scarcity, Shortage
- The store had a plethora of options for customers to choose from.
- He was overwhelmed by the plethora of tasks he had to complete.
- "Plenty of" can be used as a mnemonic for remembering the meaning of plethora.
- Remember the saying "A plethora of choices" to associate the word with an excessive amount.
Etymology:
The word "plethora" originated from the late 16th century from the ancient Greek word "plēthōra" which means "fullness or abundance." It entered the English language through Latin.
Historical Usage:The word initially referred to a medical condition where there is an excess of blood in the body. Over time, its usage expanded to refer to an excess or abundance in a general sense.
Related Idioms:
"A plethora of options"
Explanation:Refers to a wide variety or abundance of choices.
Misconceptions:
Assuming plethora means scarcity or a limited amount.
Explanation:Plethora actually means the opposite, an excessive or abundant amount. This misconception may arise due to the similarity in spelling with the word "paucity," which means scarcity.