Word
plethora
Phoneticspletho·ra
US/ˈpɫɛθɝə/
UK/plˈɛθəɹɐ/
Definitions
01a large amount
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic · Formal
n. a very large amount of something, especially more than you need.
n. an excessive amount or number; an abundance that may feel overwhelming.
Español:plétora
“The website offers a plethora of information, which can be a bit confusing.”
“The report cited a plethora of reasons for the project's failure, ranging from poor budget management to a lack of clear leadership.”
02excess of blood
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. a medical condition where there is too much blood in the body or a specific area, like the face.
n. a bodily condition characterized by an excess of blood or other fluids; often manifests as a reddish complexion.
“The doctor noticed a plethora in the patient's face, suggesting high blood pressure.”
“Clinical observation revealed a marked plethora, indicating a significant increase in total blood volume that required immediate diagnostic attention.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
Usually followed by the preposition 'of'. While historically meaning an unhealthy excess, it is now commonly used as a synonym for 'a wide variety'.
Pitfall
a plethora of many options
a plethora of options
Plethora already implies a large number; adding 'many' is redundant.
Real-World Examples
“These surveys yielded a plethora of astronomical discoveries, including that the universe is expanding.” “Over the past year, we’ve seen a plethora of new announcements in a category labeled “world models,” and you’ll likely see more movement there in the coming months and years.” Etymology
From Late Latin plēthōra, from Ancient Greek πληθώρη (plēthṓrē, “fullness, satiety”), from πλήθω (plḗthō, “to be full”) + -η (-ē, nominal suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/plethora
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0