large indefinite amount
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- an indefinite quantity that is above the average in size or magnitude