abundant

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Existing or available in very large quantities; more than enough.

   Grammar: Usually before a noun (abundant evidence) or after a linking verb (supplies were abundant).

   Patterns

   • abundant evidence
   • an abundant supply of something
   • be abundant in something

   There is abundant evidence that exercise improves sleep.

   The region has an abundant supply of clean groundwater.

   The hills were abundant in wild herbs after the rains.

2. 2adjectivecomparablebiology

   Common and numerous, used especially of plant or animal species in a habitat.

   Grammar: Common in biology texts: 'an abundant species,' meaning frequently found, not necessarily large in body.

   Patterns

   • an abundant species
   • abundant in the region

   The common daisy is an abundant species in European meadows.

   Mosquitoes are abundant in the wetlands after flooding.

Word forms

Common combinations

abundant evidence

The court heard abundant evidence of negligence.

an abundant supply of something

The clinic keeps an abundant supply of vaccines on hand.

abundant in wildlife

The reserve is abundant in wildlife, especially waterbirds.

abundantly clear

It is abundantly clear that the schedule will not work.

Synonyms and how they differ

plentiful

Plentiful is the closest everyday synonym; abundant is slightly more formal and common in writing.

ample

Ample means enough and often more than enough for a purpose, emphasizing sufficiency rather than a huge quantity.

copious

Copious is used mainly for things that flow or are produced in large amounts, like notes, rain, or tears.

Opposites

Word family

abundance noun

a very large quantity

abundantly adverb

in large amounts; obviously

Commonly confused: abundant or abundance?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “abundant”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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