WordGarden.ioplenty
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /plˈɛnti/
US
- /ˈplɛnti/
Meanings
Determiner
a large or more than sufficient amount or number of
Pronoun
a large or more than sufficient amount or number
Adverb
to a more than sufficient extent; very
Beyond the definition
"Plenty" isn't just about having enough of something—it's about having more than enough. Imagine a farmer with a big harvest or a baker whose shop is full of delicious treats. That's the idea. It suggests a comfortable extra amount and a feeling of abundance. You might say, "There's plenty of time," meaning you aren't rushed, or "We have plenty to eat," meaning everyone will have enough. Sometimes, it even suggests there is enough to share.
The word "plenty" speaks to a satisfying amount—not just meeting a need, but exceeding it. It's about abundance and sufficiency, suggesting there is no worry of running short. Think of a pirate's treasure chest overflowing with gold doubloons; that is the essence of plenty.
"Plenty" can be used in several ways. You might say, "There is plenty of room at the inn," meaning there is a lot of space. Or, "She had plenty of reasons to be upset," suggesting many good reasons for her feelings. It often implies a sense of ease and comfort; if you have "plenty of time," you aren't stressed about deadlines.
Interestingly, "plenty" isn't always about physical objects. You can have "plenty of energy" or "plenty of opportunities." It conveys a positive feeling of having more than what is strictly necessary. It can even be used sarcastically. If someone makes a mistake and you say, "There's plenty of blame to go around," it means responsibility is shared by many people.
Sometimes, especially in informal speech, "plenty" is used after an adjective or adverb to mean "very" or "more than enough," as in "warm enough, plenty warm." So, whether describing food on your plate, time in your schedule, or the strength of a feeling or situation, "plenty" signals abundance, sufficiency, and a comfortable surplus. It's a word that evokes a feeling of having enough—and then some.
Examples
- 1
Time
We have plenty of time before the train leaves.
- 2
Empty seats
There were plenty of empty seats at the back.
- 3
Local choices
You'll find plenty of good restaurants near the station.
- 4
Enough food
Don't cook more rice; we already have plenty.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Strong opinions
She has plenty to say about the new policy.
- 6
Extra supply
There's plenty more coffee in the kitchen.
- Phraseplenty more
much more is available
- 7
Enough already
That's plenty for one day; let's stop here.
- PhraseThat's plenty
that is enough
- 8
Informal degree
The jacket is plenty warm for a short walk.
- Usageplenty + adjective
more than enough; informal
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- plentynounadverb