English Reference

Word

plenty

Phoneticsplen·ty, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈpɫɛni/

UK/plˈɛnti/

Definitions

01a large amount

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun General-service

n. a large amount of something, usually more than you actually need.

n. a more than adequate amount or supply; often followed by 'of'.

“Don't worry about the food; there is plenty of pasta for everyone.”

“Despite the initial delays, the team had plenty of time to refine the presentation before the investors arrived.”

Synonyms

abundancewealthplenitude

Antonyms

02more than enough

B1 · Intermediate General-service

pron. enough or more than enough of something so that you do not need more.

pron. a sufficient or abundant number or amount; functions as the head of a noun phrase.

“You don't need to buy more milk; we have plenty in the fridge.”

“While some critics argued the report was too brief, most felt it contained plenty to justify a full investigation.”

Antonyms

03very or sufficiently

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal · American English

adv. used to mean 'very' or 'fully' to emphasize a quality.

adv. used as an intensifier meaning 'very' or 'quite'; primarily used before adjectives.

“That soup is plenty hot, so be careful not to burn your tongue.”

“The manager was plenty angry about the mistake, though he tried to remain professional during the meeting.”

Usage

In this sense, it usually precedes an adjective and is more common in spoken American English than in formal writing.

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “plenty” in context.

Verb

01. give plenty of warning

“The teacher gave plenty of warning before the final exam started.”

verb + noun + of + noun

02. have plenty of time

“Don't worry about rushing; we have plenty of time to catch the train.”

verb + noun + of + noun

03. leave plenty of room

“Please leave plenty of room for the other cars to park.”

verb + noun + of + noun

Noun

04. plenty of fresh water

“Make sure you drink plenty of fresh water during the hike.”

noun + of + adj + noun

05. plenty of opportunities

“Living in a big city offers plenty of opportunities for young professionals.”

noun + of + noun

Preposition

06. in plenty

“Fresh fruit and vegetables were available in plenty at the local market.”

prep + noun

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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