ample
AM-puhl
Ample (adj) means Enough, or more than enough, for a particular purpose. Example: “There was ample time to catch the train.”
adj
1
Enough, or more than enough, for a particular purpose.
"There was ample time to catch the train."
"The kitchen has ample storage space for all the equipment."
"We have ample food for the picnic, so please do not bring any more."
2
Large in size or extent.
"The house has an ample garden out back."
"She wore an ample coat that reached right down to her ankles."
"The farmhouse stands in ample grounds with fields stretching far beyond the gate."
How to use ample
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPlenty — more than enough of something, or generously sized.
Common pairings
ample time
ample space
ample opportunity
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Word forms
- Comparative
- ampler
- Superlative
- amplest
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There was _____ time to catch the train.
Etymology
From Middle French ample, from Latin amplus, "large, spacious".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for ample
See all rhymes for ample →Frequently asked questions
What does “ample” mean?
The word “ample” means enough, or more than enough, for a particular purpose. In plain terms, plenty — more than enough of something, or generously sized.
How do you pronounce “ample”?
“Ample” is pronounced AM-puhl (/ˈæm.pəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ample” in a sentence?
Here is “ample” used in a sentence: “There was ample time to catch the train.”
What is another word for “ample”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ample” include full, spacious, extensive, wide, capacious and abundant.
What part of speech is “ample”?
“Ample” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ample” come from?
The word “ample” comes from Latin. From Middle French ample, from Latin amplus, "large, spacious".
Is “ample” a common word?
“Ample” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ample” have?
“Ample” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: enough, or more than enough, for a particular purpose.
What is the difference between "ample" and "enough"?
"Enough" simply means a sufficient amount for a purpose, with no implication of surplus. "Ample" means enough, or more than enough, often suggesting a comfortable or generous margin beyond what is strictly needed.
Can "ample" describe a person's size, not just quantities?
Yes, "ample" can describe something large in size or extent, and it is sometimes used, often euphemistically, to describe a person's build or figure, in addition to describing amounts of time, space, or resources.
What is the difference between "ample" and "sufficient"?
"Sufficient" describes an amount that just meets a requirement, with a neutral, precise tone. "Ample" implies enough or more than enough, often with a more generous or comfortable connotation than the plainer word "sufficient."
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