Etimology
From Middle English many, mani, moni, from Old English maniġ, moniġ, maneġ (“many”), from Proto-West Germanic *manag, from Proto-Germanic *managaz (“some, much, many”).
determiner
many (comparative more, superlative most)
An indefinite large number of.
(in combinations such as 'as many', 'so many', 'this many') Used to indicate, demonstrate or compare the number of people or things.
Examples
Not many such people enjoyed playing chess.
There are very many different ways to cook a meal.
Thou shalt be a father of many nations.
I did it in a moment of conceit and folly—one of my many such moments—one of my many such hours—years.
The big houses, and there are a good many of them, lie for the most part in what may be called by courtesy the valleys. You catch a glimpse of them sometimes at a little distance from the [railway] line, which seems to have shown some ingenuity in avoiding them, […].
Investors face a quandary. Cash offers a return of virtually zero in many developed countries; government-bond yields may have risen in recent weeks but they are still unattractive. Equities have suffered two big bear markets since 2000 and are wobbling again. It is hardly surprising that pension funds, insurers and endowments are searching for new sources of return.
We don't need this many bananas. Put some back.
There may be as many as ten million species of insect.
I don't have as many friends as my sister does.
Related words
synonyms
a lot of
antonyms
few
pronoun
many
An indefinite large number of people or things.
Examples
Many are called, but few are chosen.
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us...
By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.
Related words
antonyms
few
related terms
how many
many a
so many
noun
many (plural (rare) manies)
A multitude; a great aggregate; a mass of people; the generality; the common herd.
A considerable number.
Examples
Synonyms: crowd, mob; see also Thesaurus:commonalty
Democracy must balance the rights of the few against the will of the many.
Synonyms: abundance, buttload, deal; see also Thesaurus:lot
I know that my mother cried a many of times from decisions I made.
adjective
many (comparative more, superlative most)
Existing in large number; numerous.
Examples
Let’s take these fears about a rich, strong China to their logical extreme. The U.S. and Chinese governments are always disagreeing—about trade, foreign policy, the environment. Someday the disagreement could be severe. Taiwan, Tibet, North Korea, Iran—the possibilities are many, though Taiwan always heads the list.
Related words
synonyms
multiple, several; see also Thesaurus:manifold