multitud
Lemma Details
Translation: crowd; multitude; throng; mass; host; large number
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'multitudo' (a great number, crowd), derived from 'multus' meaning 'many'. The English cognate 'multitude' comes from the same Latin root. The word preserves the sense of plurality and abundance from its Latin origins, emphasizing the concept of a large gathering or collection.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Una multitud se reunió en la plaza para protestar.
A crowd gathered in the square to protest.
El concierto atrajo a una multitud de fans.
The concert attracted a multitude of fans.
Entre la multitud, era difícil encontrar a mis amigos.
Among the crowd, it was difficult to find my friends.
Hay una multitud de razones para aprender español.
There are a multitude of reasons to learn Spanish.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'multi-' (many) + '-tud' (similar to English '-tude') = 'multitude' or many people together.
- Imagine 'multiple individuals' forming a 'multitud'.
- Picture a 'multi-tool' being used by a crowd of people (multitud).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'multitud' is often used in the context of public gatherings, protests, religious events, and festivals. The concept carries social and political connotations, especially in contexts of collective action or public opinion.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'multitud' refers to a large group of people or things, 'magnitud' means 'magnitude' or 'size' and refers to the importance or scale of something.
This word:
La multitud aplaudió cuando terminó el discurso.
The crowd applauded when the speech ended.
Confused word:
No comprendían la magnitud del problema.
They didn't understand the magnitude of the problem.
Notes: Both words end in '-tud' but have different meanings and contexts of use.
Mnemonic: 'Multitud' has 'multi' (many) suggesting many people, while 'magnitud' relates to 'magnitude' suggesting size or importance.
Explanation: 'Multitud' refers to a crowd or large number, while 'aptitud' means 'aptitude' or 'ability'.
Notes: Both are feminine nouns ending in '-tud' but with completely different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Multitud' starts with 'mul-' (many), while 'aptitud' starts with 'apt-' (able, suitable).