Word
quantity
Phoneticsquan·ti·ty, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkwɑntəti/
UK/kwˈɒntɪti/
Definitions
01an amount or number
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. the amount or number of something that can be measured or counted.
n. the amount, sum, or number of a substance or objects; it can be used both countably for discrete items and uncountably for mass.
“The police found a large quantity of stolen goods in the back of the van.”
“The factory produces a vast quantity of plastic waste every year, much of which is unfortunately not suitable for recycling.”
Usage
Often used in the pattern 'a [adjective] quantity of [noun]'.
Pitfall
A large quantity of people attended.
A large number of people attended.
Use 'quantity' or 'amount' for things you cannot count (like water) and 'number' for things you can count (like people).
02a large amount
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a large or significant amount of something.
n. a considerable or significant measure or amount, often used to contrast with quality.
“It is usually better to focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity.”
“The publisher prioritised quantity over quality, releasing dozens of mediocre titles to saturate the market before the holiday season.”
Teaching tip
Commonly found in the phrase 'quantity over quality'.
03mathematical value
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. a value or symbol that represents a number in a calculation.
n. a property of a phenomenon or substance that has a magnitude expressed as a number and a reference unit.
“In this equation, the letter 'x' represents an unknown quantity.”
“The physicist calculated the precise quantity of energy released during the reaction, accounting for minimal heat loss to the environment.”
Usage
In mathematics, it refers to anything that can be multiplied, divided, or measured.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “quantity” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English quantite, from Old French quantité, from Latin quantitās (“quantity”), from quantus (“how much”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Idioms
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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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