quantity
Definitions
An amount or number of something that can be measured or counted
数量，总量
A large amount
大量
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom the quantus branch of the root: quantus ('how much') + -ity (state/quality) = 'how-much-ness,' the measurable amount of a thing. It answers the question 'how much / how many?' with a noun for the amount itself.
Root quot still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
- Works with both countable and uncountable nouns: a quantity of books, a quantity of water.
- 'in quantity' = in large amounts (buy in quantity).
- 'an unknown quantity' is an idiom for a person or thing whose behavior or value can't yet be predicted.
- Often contrasted with quality: quantity over quality.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Add a small quantity of salt to the boiling water.
- 2.
The factory produces goods in vast quantities.
Easily Confused
quantity vs amount vs number — All express 'how much,' but number is for countable things (a number of people), amount is for uncountable things (an amount of money), and quantity works for both and sounds more formal/measured (a quantity of goods). Use number for items you can count one by one; amount for mass nouns; quantity when measuring either, especially in technical contexts.