plethora
Meaning: An excessive or overwhelming quantity of something. In formal and academic usage, it typically implies an overabundance rather than simply a large number.
Plethora originally carried a negative connotation of excess, and purists still insist it should mean 'too many' rather than simply 'many.' In modern British journalism and academic writing, however, it is frequently used as a neutral synonym for 'abundance.' It collocates naturally with 'of' and is almost always followed by a plural noun. The word appears regularly in broadsheet editorials, policy documents, and literary criticism.
Examples
- The committee was presented with a plethora of competing proposals, making it difficult to reach a consensus before the recess. 委员会面对大量相互竞争的提案,难以在休会前达成共识。Al comité se le presentó una plétora de propuestas contrapuestas, lo que dificultó alcanzar un consenso antes del receso.委員会には多数の競合する提案が提示され、休会前に合意に達することが困難であった。위원회에는 수많은 경쟁 제안이 제시되어, 휴회 전에 합의에 도달하기가 어려웠다.
- A plethora of studies have linked sedentary lifestyles to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 大量研究已将久坐不动的生活方式与心血管疾病风险增加联系起来。Una plétora de estudios han vinculado el sedentarismo con un mayor riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular.座りがちな生活様式と心血管疾患リスクの増加を結びつける研究が数多く発表されている。좌식 생활 방식과 심혈관 질환 위험 증가를 연결하는 연구가 과다하게 발표되어 왔다.
- Critics noted that the exhibition offered a plethora of visual stimulation but lacked a coherent curatorial narrative. 评论家指出,该展览提供了过多的视觉刺激,但缺乏连贯的策展叙事。Los críticos señalaron que la exposición ofrecía una plétora de estímulos visuales pero carecía de un discurso curatorial coherente.批評家たちは、その展覧会は視覚的刺激は過剰に提供しているが、一貫した企画の物語性に欠けると指摘した。비평가들은 그 전시회가 시각적 자극은 과잉으로 제공하지만 일관된 기획 서사가 부족하다고 지적했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, journalism
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek plethora (fullness), from plethein (to be full). Originally a medical term in English denoting an excess of blood or bodily fluids, it broadened to general use by the 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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