many

man•y

[[t]ˈmɛn i[/t]] adj. more, most, n. pron.

1) constituting or forming a large number; numerous:

many people[/ex]

2) noting each one of a large number (usu. fol. by a or an):

For many a day it rained[/ex]

3) a large or considerable number of persons or things:

A good many of the beggars were blind[/ex]

4) the many, the greater part of humankind

5) many persons or things:

Many were unable to attend[/ex]

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- many a time

Etymology: bef. 900; OE manig, menig, c. OHG manag, menig, ON mangr syn: many, numerous innumerable, manifold imply the presence of a large number of units. many is a general word that refers to a large but indefinite number of units or individuals: many years ago; many friends and supporters. numerous, a more formal word, stresses the individual and separate quality of the units: to receive numerous letters. innumerable denotes a number that is too large to be counted or, more loosely, that is very difficult to count: the innumerable stars. manifold implies that the number is large, but also varied or complex: manifold responsibilities.