B1noun 2K

Multitude

UK //ˈmʌltɪtjuːd// US //ˈmʌltɪtud// Pronunciation

Definition

A large number of people or things.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A large number of things or people.

Examples

• A multitude of stars filled the night sky.
• She faced a multitude of challenges in her new job.
• The festival attracted a multitude of visitors from around the world.
• He has a multitude of hobbies, ensuring he never gets bored.
• A multitude of opinions can make decision-making difficult.

Usage notes

Used to describe a large group often in a formal or poetic context. Avoid in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'multi' (many) 'tude' (attitude) – many attitudes.

Collocations

• multitude of choices
• multitude of options
• multitude of voices

Synonyms

• crowd
• throng
• mass
• assembly
• host

Antonyms

• few
• scarcity
• single

Common mistakes

• 'Multitude' is often confused with 'variety', but they mean different things.
• Learners may use 'multitude' uncountably, but it can also refer to countable items.
• Some may incorrectly say 'multitudes' when they mean 'a multitude', which implies a singular group.