many
UK[ˈmeni]US[ˈmeni]
determiner, pronoun
A large number of people or things
adj
Consisting of or amounting to a large but indefinite number
Etymology
The word 'many' originates from the Old English 'manig' or 'monig', meaning "many, numerous, much." This Old English term evolved from the Proto-Germanic 'managaz', which carried the same sense of a multitude. The Proto-Germanic root is further traced back to the Proto-Indo-European 'menegh-', meaning "copious" or "abundant." The semantic core of abundance has remained remarkably stable throughout its journey into Modern English, where it functions as a primary quantifier for countable nouns.
Analysis
The word 'many' is a simplex word derived from a single, indivisible Old English root.
Examples
Many people believe that exercise is essential for good health.
She has read many books on the subject.
How many apples are left in the basket?