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multitudes

B2 Noun (plural) #48 most common 12 min read

multitudes

Top 48

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips multitudes in 30 Seconds

Explanation multitudes in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'multitudes' as a very fancy way to say 'many, many people.' Imagine a big party where there are so many people you cannot count them. That is a multitude. However, at this level, you don't need to use this word. You can just say 'a lot of people' or 'many people.' If you see it in a book, just remember it means a very big group. For example, 'There are multitudes of fish in the sea' means there are many, many fish. It is a plural word, so we say 'multitudes are' not 'multitudes is.' It is a big word for a big number!

For A2 learners, 'multitudes' is a noun that means a very large number. It is usually used for people or things in nature. You might see it in stories about history or in nature videos. Instead of saying 'a big crowd,' a writer might use 'multitudes.' It is important to know that 'multitudes' is the plural form. You often see it with 'of,' like 'multitudes of birds.' When you use this word, you are making your English sound more advanced and descriptive. It's like saying 'thousands and thousands.' Remember: it's a 'big' word, so use it for 'big' things like stars, people in a city, or animals in the wild.

At the B1 level, you should recognize 'multitudes' as a more formal and literary synonym for 'masses' or 'vast numbers.' It is often used to emphasize the scale of something. For example, instead of saying 'Many people like this singer,' you could say 'Multitudes of fans follow this singer.' This makes the number sound even larger and more impressive. You will also start to see it used in more abstract ways, such as 'multitudes of possibilities.' It's a great word to use in essays when you want to avoid repeating the word 'many.' Just remember that it is quite formal, so it might sound a bit strange in a casual conversation with friends.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'multitudes.' It is not just about quantity; it is about the impression of scale and diversity. You should be able to use it in both physical contexts (e.g., 'multitudes of protesters') and metaphorical ones (e.g., 'multitudes of sins'). You should also be aware of the phrase 'the multitudes,' which refers to the general public or the common people. At this level, you can use 'multitudes' to add variety to your writing and to convey a sense of grandeur. You should also be careful with subject-verb agreement, ensuring that you use plural verbs with this noun. It is a key word for academic and descriptive writing.

For C1 learners, 'multitudes' is a versatile tool for sophisticated expression. You should understand its historical and literary weight, including its use in religious texts and classic poetry. You can use it to discuss complex sociological concepts, such as the 'multitude' as a political subject that is diverse and non-unified. You should also be familiar with the metaphorical use of 'containing multitudes,' referring to the internal complexity of a person's character. At this level, your use of the word should feel natural and well-placed, helping you to achieve a high-level 'register' in your formal essays, speeches, and creative writing. You understand that 'multitudes' conveys a sense of the infinite or the sublime.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'multitudes.' You can use it to navigate complex philosophical and literary discussions with ease. You understand the subtle difference between 'a multitude of' (emphasizing a large number) and 'multitudes' (emphasizing diversity and vastness). You can effectively use the word to evoke specific historical or literary echoes, such as the works of Walt Whitman or biblical narratives. Your use of the word is precise, whether you are describing the biological complexity of a microbiome or the multifaceted nature of human identity. You can use 'multitudes' to create rhythm and resonance in your prose, recognizing it as a word that bridges the gap between the quantifiable and the poetic.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

multitudes in 30 Seconds

Multitudes is a plural noun used to describe a very large, often uncountable number of people or things, emphasizing scale and diversity.
It is a formal and literary word, frequently found in poetry, religious texts, and scientific descriptions of biodiversity or the cosmos.
The word can refer to 'the masses' of ordinary people or, metaphorically, to the complex and contradictory nature of a single person's identity.
Grammatically, it is always plural and usually followed by 'of' plus a plural noun, requiring a plural verb in a sentence.

The word multitudes is a powerful noun used to describe an exceptionally large number of people or things. While it essentially means 'many,' it carries a much heavier weight of scale, diversity, and sometimes even overwhelming density. When you use 'multitudes,' you aren't just counting items; you are painting a picture of a vast, perhaps uncountable, sea of entities. It is frequently employed in literature, historical accounts, and sociological discussions to emphasize the sheer magnitude of a group or the complexity of a subject.

Core Concept: At its heart, 'multitudes' refers to a great number. However, unlike 'hundreds' or 'thousands,' it is non-specific, suggesting a scale that defies easy categorization. It often implies a sense of awe or significant impact.

The speaker looked out over the square and saw multitudes of citizens gathered to demand change, their voices rising like a single tide.

Historically, the term has been used to describe the 'common people' or the 'masses.' In this context, it can sometimes carry a slightly detached or even elitist tone, referring to the general population as a singular, massive force. However, in modern usage, it is more often celebratory or descriptive of variety. For instance, a scientist might speak of the 'multitudes of microorganisms' in a single drop of water, highlighting the hidden complexity of the natural world.

In the clear night sky of the desert, one can truly appreciate the multitudes of stars that populate our galaxy.

Sociological Nuance: In social sciences, 'the multitudes' can represent the diverse, unorganized, and varied groups of people that make up a society, emphasizing that the 'mass' is actually composed of many different individuals.

The internet has given a platform to multitudes of niche communities that previously had no way to connect.

Furthermore, 'multitudes' is famously used in a metaphorical sense regarding the human personality. Walt Whitman’s famous line, 'I am large, I contain multitudes,' suggests that a single person is not a simple, consistent entity but a complex collection of different moods, thoughts, and contradictory traits. This usage has moved the word from a purely external description of crowds to an internal description of psychological depth.

The novel explores the multitudes of the human heart, showing how one can be both brave and fearful simultaneously.

Environmental Usage: Biologists use the term to describe the vast array of species within an ecosystem, highlighting biodiversity as a collection of 'multitudes' of life forms.

The rainforest is home to multitudes of insects, many of which have yet to be named by science.

In summary, 'multitudes' is a word of scale and soul. It bridges the gap between simple math and poetic expression, allowing a speaker to convey not just 'how many,' but 'how vast' and 'how varied.' Whether describing a crowd at a concert, the stars in the sky, or the complexities of the human mind, it remains one of the most evocative words for large numbers in the English language.

Using 'multitudes' correctly requires an understanding of its plural nature and its typical collocations. Most often, it is followed by the preposition 'of' to specify what the large number consists of. However, it can also stand alone as a noun referring to 'the masses' or 'the crowds.' Because it is plural, it always takes a plural verb (e.g., 'multitudes were' rather than 'multitudes was').

Pattern: Multitudes of [Noun]: This is the most common construction. The noun following 'of' is almost always plural as well.

The charity event attracted multitudes of donors from across the country.

When describing people, 'multitudes' often implies a lack of individual identification, focusing instead on the collective force. This is common in historical writing or epic storytelling. It suggests a scene so large that individual faces blur into a single entity. For example, 'The general led his armies against the multitudes of the opposing empire.'

Despite the cold weather, multitudes waited outside the store for the midnight release.

Abstract Usage: 'Multitudes' can also refer to abstract concepts like sins, errors, or possibilities, often to emphasize that they are too many to count.

A simple act of kindness can cover multitudes of past mistakes.

In literary contexts, you might see 'multitudes' used to describe the internal state of a character. This follows the Whitmanesque tradition mentioned earlier. It allows writers to discuss the 'inner multitudes'—the conflicting desires and identities within a single person. This is a more sophisticated use of the word that moves beyond physical counting.

She contained multitudes; she was a scientist by day and a radical poet by night.

Emphasis with Adjectives: You can pair 'multitudes' with adjectives like 'vast,' 'teeming,' 'uncounted,' or 'diverse' to further amplify the meaning.

The teeming multitudes of the city streets never seemed to sleep.

Finally, remember that 'multitudes' is often used to create a sense of scale in space and time. You might speak of 'multitudes of generations' or 'multitudes of galaxies.' In these cases, the word helps the reader grasp the infinite or the near-infinite, making it an essential tool for descriptive and persuasive writing.

While 'multitudes' isn't a word you'll hear every day at the grocery store, it has a firm place in specific domains of English. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the tone the speaker or writer is trying to convey. It is a word of 'high register,' meaning it sounds more professional, educated, or artistic.

In Literature and Poetry: This is perhaps the most common home for 'multitudes.' Poets use it to describe the human condition or the vastness of nature. If you are reading classic 19th-century American or British literature, you will encounter it frequently.

'Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)' — Walt Whitman, Song of Myself.

In religious texts and sermons, 'multitudes' is a staple. It is used to describe the large groups of people who followed religious figures or the vast number of angels in heaven. Because of this, the word can sometimes carry a slightly biblical or prophetic 'vibe.' If a modern speaker uses it, they might be trying to evoke this sense of historical importance or spiritual scale.

The politician promised to feed the multitudes by overhauling the national food distribution system.

In Science and Nature Documentaries: Narrators like David Attenborough often use 'multitudes' to describe the sheer volume of life on Earth. It helps convey the wonder of biodiversity, from 'multitudes of plankton' to 'multitudes of migrating wildebeest.'

Beneath the waves, multitudes of tiny creatures work in unison to build the coral reef.

In political and social commentary, 'multitudes' is used to describe the power of the people. It is often found in discussions about democracy, protests, and social movements. Here, it emphasizes that the strength of a movement lies in its numbers and its diversity. It’s a word that suggests a force that cannot be easily ignored by those in power.

The revolution was not led by one man, but by the multitudes who refused to live in fear any longer.

In Academic Writing: Scholars in history or sociology use 'multitudes' to avoid the singular 'mass,' which can imply a lack of agency. 'Multitudes' acknowledges that a large group is made of many different parts.

The study examines the multitudes of factors that contribute to urban migration patterns.

In summary, 'multitudes' is a word for the big picture. You'll hear it when someone is trying to describe something so large that it becomes more than just a number—it becomes a phenomenon. From the pulpit to the laboratory, it is a word that demands attention and respect.

Even though 'multitudes' is a relatively straightforward noun, its formal nature and plural form can lead to several common errors. Understanding these pitfalls will help you use the word with the precision of a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Subject-Verb Disagreement: Because 'multitudes' sounds like a collective concept, many learners mistakenly use a singular verb. Remember: 'multitudes' is plural.

Incorrect: The multitudes was cheering.
Correct: The multitudes were cheering.

Another frequent error is the confusion between 'multitude' (singular) and 'multitudes' (plural). While they are often interchangeable, 'a multitude of' is a standard idiom meaning 'a lot of.' 'Multitudes' (plural) is used to emphasize even greater numbers or the presence of many different groups.

Correct: There is a multitude of reasons to stay.
Correct: Multitudes of reasons were presented.

Mistake 2: Using it for Small Numbers: 'Multitudes' implies a scale that is difficult to count. Using it to describe a group of ten or twenty people sounds sarcastic or simply incorrect.

Incorrect: Multitudes of my three friends came to the party.

Misusing the preposition is another common slip. 'Multitudes' almost always takes 'of' when followed by a noun. Saying 'multitudes people' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'multitudes of people.'

Mistake 3: Over-formalizing Casual Situations: Using 'multitudes' in a very casual text message or conversation can make you sound stiff or pretentious. It's better to use 'lots of' or 'so many' in these cases.

Awkward: I have multitudes of laundry to do today.

Finally, be careful with the phrase 'the multitudes.' While it can mean 'the common people,' it can sometimes sound dismissive if used in the wrong context. It’s important to ensure your tone matches your intent—whether you are being respectful of a large group or simply describing a crowd.

English has many words for 'a lot,' but each carries a different flavor. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to sound scientific, poetic, or casual. Here is how 'multitudes' compares to its closest relatives.

Multitudes vs. Myriad: 'Myriad' also means a vast number, but it often emphasizes the variety of things rather than just the quantity. 'Multitudes' is more often used for people or physical objects in space.

There are multitudes of stars (focus on the sheer number).
There are myriad ways to solve this (focus on the variety of options).

Another close synonym is 'throngs.' However, 'throngs' specifically refers to crowds of people who are packed tightly together, usually moving or pushing. 'Multitudes' is broader and can describe a group spread out over a large area or even abstract concepts.

Multitudes vs. Masses: 'The masses' is a more political term, often used in sociology or Marxist theory to describe the working class. 'Multitudes' is more neutral and poetic.

The leader appealed to the masses (political).
The sunset was witnessed by multitudes (descriptive).

'Legions' is another alternative, derived from Roman military units. It implies a large number that is organized, powerful, or perhaps even threatening. 'Multitudes' is less organized and more organic. You might speak of 'legions of fans' to show their intense loyalty and collective power.

Other Alternatives: - Host: Often used in 'a host of,' suggesting a large but somewhat more manageable group.
- Sea: A metaphorical way to describe a vast, moving crowd ('a sea of faces').
- Swarms: Usually used for insects or people moving in a disorganized, busy way.

A host of golden daffodils (Wordsworth).
A sea of protesters filled the avenue.

In conclusion, while 'multitudes' has many synonyms, it remains unique for its ability to combine scale, diversity, and a touch of the sublime. It is the word of choice when you want to describe a number so large it becomes a landscape of its own.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word has been used in English since the 14th century. Its plural form 'multitudes' became particularly famous in American literature through Walt Whitman's poetry.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmʌltɪtjuːdz/

US /ˈmʌltɪtuːdz/

MUL-ti-tudes

Rhymes With

attitudes platitudes gratitudes latitudes beatitudes rectitudes solitudes magnitudes

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'multi-toods' in the UK (where 'tyoodz' is preferred).
Misplacing the stress on the second or third syllable.
Failing to pronounce the final 's' clearly.
Confusing the 'i' sound with an 'ee' sound.
Mumbling the middle 'ti' syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in literature and news, but requires understanding of formal tone.

Writing 5/5

Requires careful subject-verb agreement and appropriate register.

Speaking 6/5

Rarely used in casual speech; can sound overly formal if misused.

Listening 4/5

Easy to recognize but sometimes confused with 'multitude'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

many crowd number group large

Learn Next

myriad plethora multitudinous diversity complexity

Advanced

plurality heterogeneity infinitude magnitude proliferation

Grammar to Know

Subject-Verb Agreement with Plural Nouns

Multitudes *are* (not is) gathering.

Use of 'Of' with Collective Nouns

Multitudes *of* stars (requires the preposition).

Plural Nouns Following 'Multitudes of'

Multitudes of *people* (must be plural).

Definite Article for General Groups

*The* multitudes (referring to the masses).

Adjective Placement

*Vast* multitudes (adjective comes before).

Examples by Level

There are multitudes of stars in the sky.

Il y a des multitudes d'étoiles dans le ciel.

Uses 'multitudes of' followed by a plural noun.

Multitudes of people went to the park.

Des multitudes de gens sont allés au parc.

Plural subject 'multitudes' takes the plural verb 'went'.

I saw multitudes of birds flying south.

J'ai vu des multitudes d'oiseaux s'envoler vers le sud.

Direct object 'multitudes of birds'.

The sea has multitudes of fish.

La mer contient des multitudes de poissons.

Simple present tense with a plural object.

Multitudes of flowers grow in the spring.

Des multitudes de fleurs poussent au printemps.

Plural verb 'grow' matches 'multitudes'.

We heard the voices of multitudes.

Nous avons entendu les voix de multitudes.

Used as a standalone noun in a prepositional phrase.

Multitudes of fans cheered for the team.

Des multitudes de fans ont acclamé l'équipe.

Standard 'multitudes of [noun]' pattern.

The forest has multitudes of trees.

La forêt a des multitudes d'arbres.

Emphasizing a very large number.

The museum was visited by multitudes of tourists.

Le musée a été visité par des multitudes de touristes.

Passive voice construction.

Multitudes of insects live in the tall grass.

Des multitudes d'insectes vivent dans les hautes herbes.

Subject-verb agreement (plural).

The king spoke to the gathered multitudes.

Le roi a parlé aux multitudes rassemblées.

'The gathered multitudes' acts as the object.

There were multitudes of books in the old library.

Il y avait des multitudes de livres dans la vieille bibliothèque.

'There were' matches the plural 'multitudes'.

Multitudes of stars are visible far from the city.

Des multitudes d'étoiles sont visibles loin de la ville.

Adjective 'visible' describing the multitudes.

The beach was covered with multitudes of shells.

La plage était couverte de multitudes de coquillages.

Prepositional phrase 'with multitudes of'.

Multitudes of children played in the snow.

Des multitudes d'enfants jouaient dans la neige.

Past tense 'played'.

The city lights shine for multitudes of people.

Les lumières de la ville brillent pour des multitudes de personnes.

Prepositional phrase 'for multitudes of'.

The internet allows us to reach multitudes of people instantly.

Internet nous permet d'atteindre instantanément des multitudes de personnes.

Infinitive phrase 'to reach multitudes'.

Multitudes of species are threatened by climate change.

Des multitudes d'espèces sont menacées par le changement climatique.

Passive voice 'are threatened'.

He faced multitudes of problems during his first year in office.

Il a fait face à des multitudes de problèmes au cours de sa première année de mandat.

Abstract use of 'multitudes'.

The festival attracted multitudes of music lovers from all over.

Le festival a attiré des multitudes d'amateurs de musique de partout.

Active verb 'attracted'.

Multitudes of stars make up the Milky Way galaxy.

Des multitudes d'étoiles composent la galaxie de la Voie lactée.

Collective action 'make up'.

The writer’s work has been translated into multitudes of languages.

L'œuvre de l'écrivain a été traduite dans des multitudes de langues.

Present perfect passive.

Multitudes of citizens protested against the new law.

Des multitudes de citoyens ont protesté contre la nouvelle loi.

Political context.

The ocean contains multitudes of undiscovered creatures.

L'océan contient des multitudes de créatures non découvertes.

Scientific context.

The poem suggests that every human being contains multitudes.

Le poème suggère que chaque être humain contient des multitudes.

Metaphorical use for internal complexity.

Multitudes of data points were analyzed to reach this conclusion.

Des multitudes de points de données ont été analysés pour arriver à cette conclusion.

Technical/Academic context.

The charity has helped multitudes of families escape poverty.

L'association a aidé des multitudes de familles à sortir de la pauvreté.

Present perfect 'has helped'.

Vast multitudes gathered in the square to hear the leader's speech.

De vastes multitudes se sont rassemblées sur la place pour entendre le discours du chef.

Modified by the adjective 'vast'.

The rainforest is home to teeming multitudes of life forms.

La forêt tropicale abrite des multitudes grouillantes de formes de vie.

Modified by the participle 'teeming'.

Multitudes of stars were visible through the powerful telescope.

Des multitudes d'étoiles étaient visibles à travers le puissant télescope.

Descriptive/Scientific context.

The internet provides access to multitudes of information sources.

Internet donne accès à des multitudes de sources d'information.

Abstract use in a modern context.

He was overwhelmed by the multitudes of choices available to him.

Il était submergé par les multitudes de choix qui s'offraient à lui.

Psychological state 'overwhelmed by'.

The historian argued that the revolution was driven by the restless multitudes.

L'historien a soutenu que la révolution était portée par les multitudes agitées.

Sociological/Historical context.

Her personality was a complex tapestry, containing multitudes of contradictions.

Sa personnalité était une tapisserie complexe, contenant des multitudes de contradictions.

Literary metaphor.

The sheer scale of the universe, with its multitudes of galaxies, is humbling.

L'ampleur même de l'univers, avec ses multitudes de galaxies, invite à l'humilité.

Philosophical/Scientific tone.

Multitudes of small businesses were forced to close during the recession.

Des multitudes de petites entreprises ont été contraintes de fermer pendant la récession.

Economic context.

The philosopher spoke of the 'multitude' as a diverse force for social change.

Le philosophe a parlé de la « multitude » comme d'une force diverse pour le changement social.

Theoretical usage.

Beneath the surface of the soil, multitudes of microbes sustain the ecosystem.

Sous la surface du sol, des multitudes de microbes soutiennent l'écosystème.

Biological precision.

The digital age has created multitudes of new ethical dilemmas.

L'ère numérique a créé des multitudes de nouveaux dilemmes éthiques.

Abstract/Modern context.

They sought to feed the multitudes, both physically and spiritually.

Ils cherchaient à nourrir les multitudes, tant physiquement que spirituellement.

Biblical/Humanitarian allusion.

Whitman’s assertion that he 'contains multitudes' remains a cornerstone of American poetic identity.

L'affirmation de Whitman selon laquelle il « contient des multitudes » reste une pierre angulaire de l'identité poétique américaine.

Literary analysis.

The city’s architecture reflects the multitudes of cultural influences that have shaped its history.

L'architecture de la ville reflète les multitudes d'influences culturelles qui ont façonné son histoire.

Cultural/Historical analysis.

In the face of such multitudes of suffering, individual action can feel insignificant.

Face à de telles multitudes de souffrances, l'action individuelle peut sembler insignifiante.

Existential/Ethical context.

The software is designed to process multitudes of concurrent requests without latency.

Le logiciel est conçu pour traiter des multitudes de requêtes simultanées sans latence.

Technical/Engineering precision.

The novel masterfully weaves together the stories of multitudes of characters into a single narrative arc.

Le roman tisse de main de maître les histoires de multitudes de personnages en un seul arc narratif.

Literary criticism.

The ocean’s depths harbor multitudes of organisms that thrive in extreme conditions.

Les profondeurs de l'océan abritent des multitudes d'organismes qui prospèrent dans des conditions extrêmes.

Scientific/Biological context.

To understand the present, one must account for the multitudes of past events that led to this moment.

Pour comprendre le présent, il faut tenir compte des multitudes d'événements passés qui ont conduit à ce moment.

Historical/Philosophical reasoning.

The teeming multitudes of the metropolis are both its greatest strength and its most daunting challenge.

Les multitudes grouillantes de la métropole sont à la fois sa plus grande force et son défi le plus redoutable.

Sociological observation.

Common Collocations

multitudes of people

multitudes of stars

contain multitudes

teeming multitudes

vast multitudes

feed the multitudes

multitudes of species

multitudes of choices

multitudes of fans

uncounted multitudes

Common Phrases

A multitude of sins

— Something that hides or makes up for many faults or mistakes.

A good coat can cover a multitude of sins.

The multitudes

— The general public or the common people, often seen as a large group.

The politician appealed to the multitudes.

Feeding the multitudes

— Providing for a very large group of people, often with limited resources.

The soup kitchen is feeding the multitudes every day.

Contain multitudes

— To have many different, often contradictory, aspects to one's personality.

Don't judge him too quickly; he contains multitudes.

In their multitudes

— In very large numbers.

The birds arrived in their multitudes.

Multitudes of reasons

— A very large number of explanations or justifications.

There are multitudes of reasons why this plan failed.

Multitudes of stars

— An immense number of stars, emphasizing the vastness of space.

The telescope revealed multitudes of stars.

Multitudes of voices

— Many different people speaking or expressing their opinions.

The debate was filled with multitudes of voices.

Multitudes of possibilities

— A vast array of potential outcomes or options.

The future holds multitudes of possibilities.

Teeming with multitudes

— Full of a very large and active number of people or things.

The market was teeming with multitudes of shoppers.

Often Confused With

multitudes vs multitude

The singular form is often used in the phrase 'a multitude of,' while 'multitudes' is used to emphasize diversity or even larger scales.

multitudes vs multiplicity

Multiplicity refers to the state of being manifold or various, while multitudes refers to the actual large number of things.

multitudes vs magnitude

Magnitude refers to the size or importance of something, whereas multitudes refers to the quantity of items or people.

Idioms & Expressions

"Cover a multitude of sins"

— To hide or compensate for many flaws or errors.

Charity covers a multitude of sins.

Formal/Literary

"I contain multitudes"

— A phrase indicating that a person is complex and multifaceted.

I can be both shy and bold; I contain multitudes.

Literary

"The silent multitudes"

— The large number of people who do not express their opinions publicly.

The election results surprised the silent multitudes.

Political

"Feed the multitudes"

— To provide food or support for a massive number of people.

The NGO is trying to feed the multitudes in the war zone.

Humanitarian

"Multitudes of the heavenly host"

— A large number of angels (biblical reference).

The painting depicted multitudes of the heavenly host.

Religious

"A multitude of problems"

— A very large number of difficulties.

The new system brought a multitude of problems.

Neutral

"Lost in the multitudes"

— To be an insignificant part of a very large group.

He felt lost in the multitudes of the big city.

Descriptive

"The unwashed multitudes"

— A derogatory term for the common people or the poor.

The elite looked down on the unwashed multitudes.

Archaic/Offensive

"Multitudes of the deep"

— The vast number of creatures living in the ocean.

The documentary explored the multitudes of the deep.

Literary

"A multitude of ways"

— Many different methods or approaches.

There are a multitude of ways to achieve success.

Neutral

Easily Confused

multitudes vs myriad

Both mean a very large number.

Myriad is often used as an adjective or to emphasize variety. Multitudes is a noun and usually refers to people or physical objects.

Myriad options vs. Multitudes of people.

multitudes vs throng

Both refer to large groups of people.

A throng is a dense, crowded group. Multitudes can be spread out or even abstract.

A throng in the subway vs. Multitudes in the galaxy.

multitudes vs masses

Both refer to the common people.

Masses has a more political or sociological connotation. Multitudes is more poetic.

The working masses vs. The gathered multitudes.

multitudes vs legion

Both mean a large number.

Legion implies organization or a military-like scale. Multitudes is more organic.

A legion of soldiers vs. Multitudes of stars.

multitudes vs host

Both mean a large number.

Host is often used in the singular 'a host of' and is slightly less formal than 'multitudes'.

A host of problems vs. Multitudes of sins.

Sentence Patterns

There are multitudes of [noun].

There are multitudes of stars.

[Noun] saw multitudes of [noun].

The boy saw multitudes of birds.

Multitudes of [noun] were [verb-ing].

Multitudes of fans were cheering.

The [adjective] multitudes gathered to [verb].

The vast multitudes gathered to listen.

Containing multitudes of [abstract noun].

The plan contained multitudes of risks.

Reaching the multitudes through [noun].

Reaching the multitudes through social media.

The [noun] of the multitudes is [adjective].

The power of the multitudes is undeniable.

[Subject] contains multitudes.

Every soul contains multitudes.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Medium-Low (Higher in written English than spoken).

Common Mistakes

The multitudes was very loud. → The multitudes were very loud.
'Multitudes' is a plural noun and requires a plural verb.
I saw a multitudes of stars. → I saw multitudes of stars.
You cannot use the singular article 'a' with the plural noun 'multitudes.' Use 'a multitude' or just 'multitudes.'
There were multitudes people in the street. → There were multitudes of people in the street.
You must use the preposition 'of' when 'multitudes' is followed by a noun.
He has a multitudes of problems. → He has a multitude of problems.
When using 'a,' the singular form 'multitude' is required.
The multitudes of the star was beautiful. → The multitudes of stars were beautiful.
The noun following 'multitudes of' should be plural, and the verb must also be plural.

Tips

Use for Emphasis

Use 'multitudes' when you want to make a number sound impressive or overwhelming. It's better than 'many' for dramatic effect.

Check Your Verbs

Always pair 'multitudes' with a plural verb. For example: 'The multitudes are waiting,' not 'is waiting.'

Literary Flair

In creative writing, use 'multitudes' to describe the vastness of nature or the complexity of a character's mind.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't say 'many multitudes.' Since 'multitudes' already means 'many,' just use the word on its own or with an adjective like 'vast.'

Know Your Audience

Use this word in essays, formal reports, or speeches. In a casual chat with friends, it might sound too stiff.

The 'Of' Rule

When 'multitudes' is followed by a noun, always include 'of.' For example: 'multitudes of stars,' not 'multitudes stars.'

Stress the First Syllable

Remember to put the emphasis on 'MUL.' This is the key to sounding natural when saying the word.

Scientific Biodiversity

When writing about nature or biology, 'multitudes' is a great word to describe the variety of life in an ecosystem.

Biblical Echoes

Be aware that 'multitudes' can sound slightly religious or historical. Use this to your advantage if you want to evoke that feeling.

Internal Multitudes

Don't forget the psychological use! You can use 'multitudes' to describe a person's many different thoughts and feelings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MULTI' (many) and 'TUDES' (like attitudes). A crowd has MULTIple attiTUDES. Multitudes!

Visual Association

Imagine a stadium filled with people, but instead of faces, you see thousands of different colored lights representing their unique identities.

Word Web

Many Crowd Vast Diverse Masses Legions Stars Complexity

Challenge

Try to use 'multitudes' in a sentence about the ocean, then in a sentence about your own personality, and finally in a sentence about a city.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'multitudo', which comes from 'multus' meaning 'many'. It entered Middle English via Old French.

Original meaning: A great number, a crowd, or the state of being many.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

Cultural Context

Generally neutral, but 'the unwashed multitudes' is an old, offensive term for the poor and should be avoided.

Commonly used in formal speeches, literature, and high-quality journalism to describe large groups.

Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself' ('I contain multitudes'). The Biblical story of the 'Loaves and Fishes' (feeding the multitudes). Bob Dylan's song 'I Contain Multitudes' (2020).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Astronomy

multitudes of stars
multitudes of galaxies
multitudes of celestial bodies
multitudes of solar systems

Politics

the restless multitudes
appealing to the multitudes
voices of the multitudes
multitudes of voters

Biology

multitudes of species
multitudes of microorganisms
multitudes of life forms
multitudes of insects

Literature

contain multitudes
multitudes of contradictions
multitudes of the heart
multitudes of stories

Daily Life (Formal)

multitudes of choices
multitudes of problems
multitudes of fans
multitudes of opportunities

Conversation Starters

"Do you believe that every person contains multitudes of different personalities?"

"Have you ever seen multitudes of stars in a place with no city lights?"

"How do politicians try to win over the multitudes during an election?"

"What are some multitudes of challenges facing our environment today?"

"Can you think of a time you were part of the multitudes in a large crowd?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on the idea that you 'contain multitudes.' What are some contradictory parts of your own personality?

Describe a scene where you saw multitudes of something in nature, like birds, flowers, or stars.

Write about a historical event where the power of the multitudes changed the course of a country.

If you had to provide for multitudes of people, what resources would you prioritize first?

Discuss the multitudes of choices we face in the digital age. Is it overwhelming or helpful?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is plural. You should always use it with plural verbs, such as 'multitudes were' or 'multitudes have.' For a singular version, use 'multitude.'

Yes, absolutely. It is frequently used for stars, animals, insects, and even abstract things like choices or problems.

It is a famous quote by Walt Whitman. it means that a person is complex and has many different, sometimes contradictory, sides to their personality.

No, it is quite formal. In daily life, people usually say 'lots of,' 'so many,' or 'huge crowds.' Use it in writing or formal speeches.

'A multitude of' is a standard idiom for 'a lot of.' 'Multitudes' (plural) is used to emphasize an even larger or more diverse scale.

Generally, no. However, the phrase 'the unwashed multitudes' is an old, derogatory term for the poor and should be avoided.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. You should say 'multitudes' or 'a multitude.'

In the US, it's MUL-ti-toodz. In the UK, it's often MUL-ti-tyoodz. The stress is always on the first syllable.

Common synonyms include masses, throngs, legions, myriad, and plethora, depending on the context.

It comes from the Latin word 'multitudo,' which means 'a great number' or 'crowd.'