What does "quantity" mean?

1. (an amount or number) the amount or number of something that can be measured or counted. 2. (a large amount) a large or significant amount of something. 3. (mathematical value) a value or symbol that represents a number in a calculation.

How do you use "quantity"?

Often used in the pattern 'a [adjective] quantity of [noun]'. In mathematics, it refers to anything that can be multiplied, divided, or measured.

Is it correct to say "A large quantity of people attended."?

No — say "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).

quantity

US //ˈkwɑntəti// UK //kwˈɒntɪti// quan·ti·ty

1 an amount or number (n.)
A2 Elementary

the amount or number of something that can be measured or counted.

the amount, sum, or number of a substance or objects; it can be used both countably for discrete items and uncountably for mass.

Example

The police found a large quantity of stolen goods in the back of the van.

Example

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).
2 a large amount (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a large or significant amount of something.

a considerable or significant measure or amount, often used to contrast with quality.

Example

It is usually better to focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity.

Example

The publisher prioritised quantity over quality, releasing dozens of mediocre titles to saturate the market before the holiday season.

Teacher's tip

Commonly found in the phrase 'quantity over quality'.
- abundance
- mass
- scarcity
- handful

Show 1 more senseShow fewer

3 mathematical value (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Math

a value or symbol that represents a number in a calculation.

a property of a phenomenon or substance that has a magnitude expressed as a number and a reference unit.

Example

In this equation, the letter 'x' represents an unknown quantity.

Example

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.

Origin

From Middle English quantite, from Old French quantité, from Latin quantitās (“quantity”), from quantus (“how much”).

Idioms2 entries