First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
ample
adjective am·ple \ˈam-pəl\
: having or providing enough or more than enough of what is needed
: quite large
—used to describe a person's (especially a woman's) body as being large in usually an attractive way
am·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ am·plest \-p(ə-)ləst\
Full Definition of AMPLE
1
: generous or more than adequate in size, scope, or capacity <there was room for an ample garden>
2
: generously sufficient to satisfy a requirement or need <they had ample money for the trip>
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Origin of AMPLE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin amplus
Related to AMPLE
Synonym Discussion of AMPLE
spacious, commodious, capacious, ample mean larger in extent or capacity than the average. spacious implies great length and breadth <a spacious front lawn>. commodious stresses roominess and comfortableness <a commodious and airy penthouse apartment>. capacious stresses the ability to hold, contain, or retain more than the average <a capacious suitcase>. ample implies having a greater size, expanse, or amount than that deemed adequate <ample closet space>.
plentiful, ample, abundant, copious mean more than sufficient without being excessive. plentiful implies a great or rich supply <peaches are plentiful this summer>. ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement <ample food to last the winter>. abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful <streams abundant with fish>. copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness <copious examples of bureaucratic waste>.
plentiful, ample, abundant, copious mean more than sufficient without being excessive. plentiful implies a great or rich supply <peaches are plentiful this summer>. ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement <ample food to last the winter>. abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful <streams abundant with fish>. copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness <copious examples of bureaucratic waste>.
AMPLENESS Defined for Kids
ample
adjective am·ple \ˈam-pəl\
am·pleram·plest
Definition of AMPLE for Kids
: enough or more than enough of what is needed <ample time>
— am·ply \-plē\ adverb <amply supplied>
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