numerous

adj.

US //ˈnumɝəs// UK //njˈuːməɹəs// nu·mer·ous

1 many (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

existing in large numbers.

consisting of or existing in a great number; used as a formal synonym for 'many'.

Example

The author has won numerous awards for her latest novel.

Example

Despite numerous attempts to resolve the technical glitch, the engineering team was forced to postpone the satellite launch until the following spring.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a plural noun.

Teacher's tip

While 'many' is suitable for all contexts, 'numerous' is preferred in academic writing and formal reports to provide variety and precision.
- few
- scant
Pitfall

There were numerous of people at the event.

There were numerous people at the event.

Unlike 'hundreds' or 'thousands', 'numerous' is an adjective that describes the noun directly. Do not use 'of' after it.

Origin

From Middle English numerous from Latin numerōsus (“numerous, abundant; harmonious”), from numerus (“number”). Doublet of numerose. Analyzeable as numero- + -ous.

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