quantity

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noun

American English pronunciation: quantity

/ˈkwɑntəti/

singular	quantity
plural	quantities

Related dictionary definitions

unknown quantity noun

Metaphor

[uncountable] the amount of something
They monitor both the quantity and the quality of materials used.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of quantity
1. a.
  [countable/uncountable] a particular amount of something
  Saturated fats can be bad for your health if consumed in large quantities.
  quantity of:
  Police found a small quantity of drugs on the premises.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of quantity
2. b.
  [countable/uncountable] a large amount of something
  quantity of:
  I was astonished by the sheer quantity of stuff in the trunk.
  in quantity/quantities:
  Like most things, it is cheaper when bought in quantity.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of quantity

Metaphor: quantity

Changes in quantities and amounts are like movements up and down. People think of large quantities as being in a high position and small quantities as being in a low position.

Temperatures are very high here in the summer.
Profits were up on the previous year’s figures.
There has been a sharp rise in the number of unemployed.
Prices soared after the strike.
The news gave a boost to the economy.
The population peaked at 5.5 million.
The rate of inflation is very low.
Output was down.
Profits fell last year.
The temperature dropped sharply.
The economy is in freefall.
Car imports plummeted in value.
We discussed the level of unemployment.
The average mark hovers around 54%.

Large quantities of something are like large amounts of water or rain, and small quantities are like small amounts of water.

There was a storm of protest when the decision was announced. ♦ The speech was met with torrents of abuse. ♦ They were showered with praise. ♦ Stones rained down on them. ♦ The offers keep pouring/flooding in. ♦ The switchboard was deluged with calls. ♦ There was only a trickle of interest. ♦ Work has dried up. ♦ It sounds like a lot of money, but it’s really just a drop in the bucket/ocean.

➡ money, success

This is the American English definition of quantity. View British English definition of quantity.

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