many

Etymology

From Middle English many, mani, moni, from Old English maniġ, moniġ, maneġ (“many”), from Proto-West Germanic *manag, from Proto-Germanic *managaz (“some, much, many”). cognates Cognate with Scots mony (“many”), North Frisian manag, manig, mäning (“many”), Saterland Frisian monig, moonich (“many”), West Frisian mannich, mennich (“some, many”), Dutch menig (“many”), Low German männig (“many”), German manch, mannig- (“many, some”), French maint (“many”), Russian мно́гий (mnógij), Scottish Gaelic minig The noun is from Middle English manye, *menye, from Old English manigeo, menigu (“company, multitude, host”), from Proto-West Germanic *managu, *managī, from Proto-Germanic *managō, *managį̄ (“multitude”), from the same root as the determiner. Cognate with Middle Low German menige, menie, menje (“multitude”), Russian много (mnogo).

det

1. An indefinite large number of.
   Not many such people enjoyed playing chess.
   There are very many different ways to cook a meal.
   I did it in a moment of conceit and folly—one of my many such moments—one of my many such hours—years. 1864–65, Charles Dickens, chapter 15, in Our Mutual Friend
   Investors face a quandary. Cash offers a return of virtually zero in many developed countries; government-bond yields may have risen in recent weeks but they are still unattractive. Equities have suffered two big bear markets since 2000 and are wobbling again. It is hardly surprising that pension funds, insurers and endowments are searching for new sources of return. 2013-07-06, “The rise of smart beta”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8843, page 68
2. (in combinations such as 'as many', 'so many', 'this many') Used to indicate, demonstrate or compare the number of people or things.
   We don't need this many bananas. Put some back.
   There may be as many as ten million species of insect.
   I don't have as many friends as my sister does.

pron

1. An indefinite large number of people or things.
   Many are called, but few are chosen.
   By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect. 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 4, in A Cuckoo in the Nest

noun

1. A multitude; a great aggregate; a mass of people; the generality; the common herd.
   Democracy must balance the rights of the few against the will of the many.
2. A considerable number.
   I know that my mother cried a many of times from decisions I made. 2005, Florence Dyer, A Mother's Cry!: Touches the Very Heart of God, page 22

adj

1. Existing in large number; numerous.
   Let’s take these fears about a rich, strong China to their logical extreme. The U.S. and Chinese governments are always disagreeing—about trade, foreign policy, the environment. Someday the disagreement could be severe. Taiwan, Tibet, North Korea, Iran—the possibilities are many, though Taiwan always heads the list. 2008 January/February, James Fallows, “The $1.4 Trillion Question”, in The Atlantic Monthly