ENGLISH
REFERENCE

plethora

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈpɫɛθɝə// UK //plˈɛθəɹɐ// pletho·ra

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

n. an excessive amount or superabundance of something. In its medical sense, it refers to an excess of bodily fluid, particularly blood.


SIMPLE

The store offers a plethora of choices for every budget.

CONTEXTUAL

The report provides a plethora of data, but it fails to offer a clear solution to the problem.

COMPLEX

While the internet provides a plethora of information on any given topic, the sheer volume often makes it difficult for researchers to distinguish credible sources from misinformation.

Synonyms
Origin

From Late Latin plēthōra, from Ancient Greek πληθώρη (plēthṓrē, “fullness, satiety”), from πλήθω (plḗthō, “to be full”) + -η (-ē, nominal suffix).

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 optionsa plethora of optionsPlethora already implies a large number; adding 'many' is redundant.

© 2026 English Reference