abundance
UK[əˈbʌndəns]US[əˈbʌndəns]
n
a very large quantity of something
n
the state of having a large quantity; plentifulness
Morpheme Breakdown
ab
und
ance
ab
away, off
und
wave, flow
ance
noun suffix
Etymology
the word "abundance" originates from the latin word abundantia, meaning "fullness, plenty." this latin term is built from the verb abundare, which means "to overflow." abundare itself is a compound of the prefix ab- ("away, off") and the root unda ("a wave"). the literal image is of a wave flowing over its boundaries, signifying an excess. over time, this concrete sense of overflowing evolved into the modern abstract meaning of a very large quantity or plentiful supply of something.
Analysis
Structure: ab (away, off) + und (wave, flow) + ance (noun suffix)
- ab: a latin prefix meaning "away, off".
- und: from latin unda, meaning "a wave, flow".
- ance: a noun-forming suffix of latin origin via french, indicating a state or quality.
Examples
the region is known for its abundance of natural resources.
there was an abundance of food at the celebration.
she approaches every challenge with an abundance of caution.