πλήθος
Lemma: πλήθος
Translation: crowd; multitude; mass; quantity; large number (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek πλῆθος (plēthos), from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₁- ('to fill'). This root also gives us English 'plethora' and is related to 'full', 'plenty'. The semantic development from 'fullness' to 'crowd' reflects how a mass of people fills a space.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'plethora' in English - both mean abundance
- Remember 'plenty' - they share the same root meaning fullness
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in news reports and everyday speech when referring to gatherings, demonstrations, or general quantities. Common in both literal (crowds) and figurative (abundance) contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both relate to fullness, πλήθος means 'crowd/multitude' while πλήρης means 'full/complete'
Confused word:
Το στάδιο είναι πλήρες.
The stadium is full.
Notes: Both words come from the same Indo-European root meaning 'to fill' but developed different specific meanings
Mnemonic: πλήθος has θ (think 'thousand') for many, while πλήρης has ρ for 'full'