The word "numerous" is spelled with a long "u" sound followed by a short "e" sound. This is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈnuːmərəs/ (noo-muh-ruhs). The word means "a large number of" and is often used to describe something that is abundant or plentiful. It comes from the Latin word "numerōsus," which means "full of numbers." Despite being a common word, "numerous" can be tricky to spell due to its unique vowel sounds.
Numerous is an adjective that refers to a relatively large quantity or a great number of things or people. It is used to describe a countable or measurable entity that is abundant, extensive, or widespread. The term indicates a multitude that is more than just a few or several, suggesting a significant quantity or a substantial amount.
When something is numerous, there is a large enough quantity to be notable or remarkable. It highlights an abundance or profusion, indicating a substantial presence or occurrence. For example, a forest filled with numerous trees implies a vast number of trees growing densely within it.
The term numerous can also imply a variety or diversity. When something is said to have numerous options, it indicates that there is a wide range of choices available.
In terms of people or groups, numerous indicates a substantial size or significant membership. A company with numerous employees denotes a large workforce, while a political party with numerous followers implies a large base of supporters.
Overall, the word numerous encompasses the idea of a considerable amount, whether it relates to objects, individuals, quantities, or options. It emphasizes a notable quantity, magnitude, or extent, signifying an abundance or profusion of something that is more than just a few or several.
Consisting of a great number; being many.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "numerous" has its origins in the Latin word "numerōsus", which itself comes from the Latin noun "numerus" meaning "number". The suffix "-ous" is derived from the Latin suffix "-ōsus", which indicates abundance or fullness. Therefore, "numerous" has retained its association with numbers and abundance throughout its etymological development.