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verb C1 Advanced Uncommon

abound

uh-BOWND

Abound (verb) means to exist in large numbers or amounts; to be plentiful. Example: “Wildlife abounds in the national park.”

verb
1
To exist in large numbers or amounts; to be plentiful.
"Wildlife abounds in the national park."
"Rumours abounded after the sudden resignation."
2
To be full of something, or richly supplied with it.
"The coastline abounds with hidden coves."

How to Use Abound

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo be everywhere, in great supply — used for things that seem to fill a place completely.

Memory tip

Almost always paired with "in" or "with": ideas abound, a forest abounds with deer.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
abound in abound with theories abound

Word Forms

abounded past tense, abounds singular

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Test yourself on “abound” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Wildlife _____ in the national park.

Etymology

From Old French abonder, tracing back to Latin abundare, "to overflow" — literally from unda, "a wave," the same root behind "abundant" and "inundate."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for abound

See all rhymes for abound →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “abound” mean?

The word “abound” means to exist in large numbers or amounts; to be plentiful. In plain terms, to be everywhere, in great supply — used for things that seem to fill a place completely.

How do you pronounce “abound”?

“Abound” is pronounced uh-BOWND (/əˈbaʊnd/ in IPA).

How do you use “abound” in a sentence?

Here is “abound” used in a sentence: “Wildlife abounds in the national park.”

What part of speech is “abound”?

“Abound” is a verb.

Where does the word “abound” come from?

The word “abound” comes from Latin. From Old French abonder, tracing back to Latin abundare, "to overflow" — literally from unda, "a wave," the same root behind "abundant" and "inundate.".

Is “abound” a common word?

“Abound” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “abound” have?

“Abound” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to exist in large numbers or amounts; to be plentiful.

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