abundance

Everyday

1. A very large amount of something, more than enough. tree →
2. The state of having plenty, being rich in things such as food or water. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science for nature (an abundance of fish, plants growing in abundance), in geography for resources, and in everyday life for having plenty. In stories it paints a picture of riches or plenty, often the opposite of a famine. Phrases: an abundance of, in abundance, abundance of food.

Examples

• There was an abundance of apples in the orchard this autumn. tree →
• Wild flowers grow in abundance by the river. tree →
• The rainforest has an abundance of animals and plants. tree →
• Our class had an abundance of ideas for the school fair. tree →
• After the long drought, the rains brought abundance to the farms. tree →
• Fresh water is found in abundance in Canada. tree →
• The teacher said we had an abundance of time, so no need to rush. tree →
• The peasants were quite contented with this arrangement, which gave them food and money in abundance. tree →

Note

Adjective: abundant; adverb: abundantly. Opposite: scarcity, shortage, lack. Usually "an abundance of" + noun. Formal-sounding; in plain talk say "lots of" or "plenty of". In maths it means a large amount but gives no exact number.

In Jewish tradition

In Deuteronomy it means having plenty of everything, and Israel is warned to serve God gladly in times of plenty.

Interpretation. The tradition teaches that the real test of faith is gratitude in good times, not only trust in hard ones.

Examples

• because thou didst not serve the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things; (Torah DEU.28.47, JPS 1917) tree →
• They shall call peoples unto the mountain; there shall they offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they shall suck the abundance of the seas, and the hidden treasures of the sand. (Torah DEU.33.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance. (Writings 2CH.24.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• For by these He judgeth the peoples; He giveth food in abundance. (Writings JOB.36.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• Or darkness, that thou canst not see, and abundance of waters cover thee. (Writings JOB.22.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective: abundant; adverb: abundantly. Opposite: scarcity, shortage, lack. Usually "an abundance of" + noun. Formal-sounding; in plain talk say "lots of" or "plenty of". In maths it means a large amount but gives no exact number.