WordGarden.ioaplenty
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /əplˈɛnti/
US
- /əˈplɛnti/
Meanings
Adverb
in large amounts or more than enough
Beyond the definition
"Aplenty" isn't quite "a little," and it's definitely not "none." It means there is more than enough of something – a generous supply, an abundance. Think of a farmer boasting about his harvest: "We have apples aplenty this year!" He doesn't just have some apples; he has so many they're overflowing!
It's a bit old-fashioned and folksy-sounding, often used to emphasize generosity or a bountiful situation. It often turns up after the noun—"time aplenty," "opportunities aplenty"—to suggest something is plentiful and easy to come by. It can also follow a verb ("We ate aplenty"). It's like saying there's enough to go around…and then some!
"Aplenty" is usually an adverb meaning "in abundance" or "more than enough." It's a charmingly old-fashioned expression that evokes images of overflowing harvests and generous hospitality. While not commonly used in formal writing, it adds a touch of warmth and folksiness to everyday speech.
The word is a fusion of the prefix "a-" and "plenty," literally meaning "in plenty." A unique quirk of this word is its placement: unlike most adjectives that sit before a noun (like "red apples"), "aplenty" sits comfortably after the noun. It describes things that are plentiful – food, resources, opportunities, or even good fortune.
You might hear: "There were stories aplenty to tell around the campfire," suggesting a wealth of tales and experiences. Or perhaps, "After the rain, mushrooms grew aplenty in the forest." It's not just about having enough; it's about having so much that it feels almost luxurious or excessive.
While you won't find "aplenty" used in scientific reports or legal documents, it thrives in storytelling, poetry, and casual conversation where a sense of abundance is desired. It paints a picture of generosity, richness, and a satisfying fullness. So next time you want to emphasize that something exists in great quantity, remember "aplenty" – there's enough, and then some!
Examples
- 1
Market
At the market, there were fresh peaches aplenty.
- Grammar
aplenty usually comes after the noun: peaches aplenty, problems aplenty
- 2
Storm damage
After the storm, the town had problems aplenty, from flooded roads to power cuts.
- 3
Job market
In this field, talented graduates are aplenty, so competition is tough.
See also
Similar
- abundantly
- plentifully
- in abundance
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- sparingly
- in short supply
Used with (collocations)
- food aplenty
- opportunities aplenty
- problems aplenty
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- aplenty