Definition

Noun: A quantity that is significantly above average in size or magnitude but whose exact number or measurement is not specified or known.

Usage

This noun phrase is used to describe a substantial quantity of something when the precise amount is either unknown, unimportant, or intentionally vague. It emphasizes the notable size of the quantity rather than its exact count.

Examples

• The charity received a large indefinite amount of donations following the disaster.
• The project requires a large indefinite amount of time and resources to complete.
• She has read a large indefinite amount of books on the subject.

Advanced Usage

• Conceptual Use: Often used in formal, academic, or descriptive writing to discuss quantities that are difficult to measure precisely, such as effort, data, or influence.
  • The theory is supported by a large indefinite amount of anecdotal evidence.
• Contrast with Specificity: The phrase is inherently non-specific. Its function is to communicate scale without precision, often to set the stage for a more general point.
  • He spent a large indefinite amount—certainly thousands—on restoring the classic car.

Variants and Related Words

• Large indefinite quantity: A direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
• Slew (noun, informal): A large number or amount.
  • He faced a slew of new challenges.
• Multitude (noun): A large number of people or things.
  • A multitude of options were available.

Synonyms

• Considerable amount
• Substantial quantity
• Vast number
• Great deal
• Significant volume

Related Phrases

• An awful lot (idiom, informal): A very large amount.
  • She knows an awful lot about history.
• A good deal (idiom): A large amount; much.
  • The new policy will require a good deal of adjustment.

Noun

1. an indefinite quantity that is above the average in size or magnitude