many

Definitions

1. determiner

   A large number of. Used with things you can count.

   Examples

   • Not many people enjoy this game.
   • There are many ways to cook rice.
   ≈numerous≠a couple of≠a few≠a handful of≠several +3 more
2. determiner

   Used with as, so, too or this to show a number.

   Examples

   • We do not need this many bananas.
   • There may be as many as ten million kinds of insects.
3. pronoun

   A large number of people or things.

   Examples

   • Many agree with her.
   • Many of them came by bus.
4. noun

   The large mass of ordinary people.

   Examples

   • Democracy balances the rights of the few against the will of the many.
   • The many gathered in the square to hear the news.
   ≈crowd≈mob≈canaille≈commonality≈commonalty +26 more
5. noun

   A fairly large number.

   Examples

   • There were a good many of them at the meeting.
   • A great many people lost their jobs.
   ≈abundance≈buttload≈deal≈abundance≈battalion +56 more
6. adjective

   Large in number.

   Examples

   • We wish you many happy returns.
   • She has many friends.
   ≈multiple≈several