Definition

1. Verb:
   • To exist in very large numbers or amounts; to be plentiful: This is the core meaning, indicating a large, often overwhelming, quantity or presence of something.
   • To be filled or teeming with something: This sense emphasizes a state where something is present everywhere within a particular place or context.

Usage

The verb "abound" is typically used in two main constructions: * [Place/Thing] + abound + with/in + [Thing that is plentiful]: This structure describes a location or subject that is full of something. * The forest abounds with wildlife. * His speech abounded in historical references. * [Thing that is plentiful] + abound + [optional location phrase]: This structure focuses on the plentiful thing itself. * Opportunities for investment abound in the new market. * Rumors abounded after the scandal.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The coastal waters abound in fish and other marine life.
  • During the festival, the streets abound with music and color.
  • Examples of this phenomenon abound in the scientific literature.

Advanced Usage

• "to abound in one's own sense": This is a less common, more literary phrase meaning to be self-satisfied or content with one's own opinions or situation.
  • He abounded in his own sense, ignoring the advice of his colleagues.

Variants and Related Words

• Abounding (adj): Existing in very large quantities; plentiful.
  • We entered a region abounding in natural resources.
• Abundance (n): A very large quantity of something.
  • The harvest yielded an abundance of fruit.
• Abundant (adj): Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.
  • The country has abundant supplies of oil.

Synonyms

• Teem: To be full of or swarming with.
• Bristle: To be thickly covered with or full of something (often something prickly or irritating).
• Overflow: To be filled beyond capacity.
• Swarm: To move in or be present in large numbers.

Related Phrases

• Abound in/with: The standard prepositional phrases used with "abound".
  • The old library abounds with rare books.

Verb

1. be in a state of movement or action
   • The room abounded with screaming children
   • The garden bristled with toddlers
2. be abundant or plentiful; exist in large quantities