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Bunch: meaning, definitions and examples

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bunch

 

[bʌn(t)ʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

a group of things

A bunch refers to a collection or grouping of things that are gathered together. It is often used to describe a cluster of objects, such as flowers, grapes, keys, or bananas.

Synonyms

bundle, cluster, collection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bunch

Use this word when referring to a group of things that are tied or held together loosely. It is often used for fruits, vegetables, or flowers.

  • She bought a bunch of grapes.
  • He gave me a bunch of flowers.
collection

Best for referring to a group of items that have been gathered or kept together, often based on a common theme or interest.

  • She has a collection of vintage postcards.
  • The museum has an impressive collection of ancient artifacts.
cluster

Use this word when referring to a group of similar things that are situated close together, often in an irregular mass or grouping.

  • A cluster of stars was visible in the night sky.
  • There was a cluster of houses on the hill.
bundle

This word is best when talking about a group of items that are tightly packed or wrapped together, often for carrying or transporting.

  • She carried a bundle of clothes to the laundry.
  • The newspapers were tied into a neat bundle.

Examples of usage

  • There was a bunch of flowers on the table.
  • She carried a bunch of keys with her wherever she went.
  • He picked a bunch of grapes from the vine.
Context #2 | Noun

informal: a large number of something

In informal usage, a bunch can also refer to a large number of something. It is often used to indicate a significant quantity or amount of items.

Synonyms

a lot, many, numerous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bunch

Informal situations to describe a group of things or people, often physical items.

  • I have a bunch of bananas at home
  • A bunch of friends came over yesterday
a lot

Casual conversation to describe a large quantity or number, can be used for both countable and uncountable nouns.

  • There's a lot of water in the lake
  • He has a lot of books in his room
many

Generally in more formal writing or speaking to describe a large number of countable items.

  • There are many reasons why we should recycle
  • She has visited many countries
numerous

Very formal language to emphasize a large number of countable items, stressing variety and abundance.

  • The event attracted numerous participants from different countries
  • Numerous studies have shown the benefits of exercise

Examples of usage

  • I have a bunch of work to finish before the deadline.
  • There were a bunch of people waiting in line.
Context #3 | Verb

to gather or collect things together

As a verb, to bunch means to gather or collect things together in a group. It is used to describe the action of bringing items close together.

Synonyms

assemble, cluster, gather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bunch

Used informally to describe a group of things or people that are close together or considered as a single unit. Often used in casual conversation.

  • I bought a bunch of bananas.
  • A bunch of friends came over for dinner.
gather

Used to describe the act of collecting people or objects together from various places. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Let's gather some flowers for the table.
  • The protesters began to gather in the square.
cluster

Used to describe a small, close-knit group of items, people, or things. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • A cluster of grapes hung from the vine.
  • The data points formed a cluster on the graph.
assemble

Often used in formal or technical contexts to describe bringing together components or people for a specific purpose or occasion.

  • The engineer will assemble the parts to complete the machine.
  • Everyone will assemble in the hall for the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • She bunched up her scarf around her neck.
  • The children bunched together to take a photo.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'bunch' originates from the Middle English 'bunche', which once referred to a 'large quantity'.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Old French word 'bonche', meaning 'a lump' or 'a mass'.
  • In different regions, 'bunch' has variations, like 'bunches' in agriculture referring to clusters of fruit.

Botany

  • In botany, a 'bunch' often refers to the cluster of grapes, where many individual grapes grow closely together.
  • Certain plants form bunches as a natural growth habit, like certain varieties of bananas that grow in large hands.
  • Bunching is beneficial for certain plants because it creates microenvironments, helping with pollination and protection.

Colloquialisms

  • In informal speech, 'bunch' can refer to a large group of people, as in 'a bunch of friends'.
  • The phrase 'a bunch of theories' indicates many ideas grouped together on a topic.
  • In slang, 'bunch' is sometimes humorously used to exaggerate, as in 'that costs a bunch!'

Cultural References

  • In popular culture, 'the Good Bunch' is often used to describe a diverse group that works well together, emphasizing unity.
  • Children's stories often illustrate 'bunches' of animals, teaching friendship and teamwork among them.
  • The concept of 'bunching' is key in festivals and social gatherings where collections of families or friends come together to celebrate.

Psychology

  • The idea of grouping things as a 'bunch' can help with memory retention; grouping items makes them easier to remember.
  • Social psychology often studies how people perceive groups (or bunches) and identify with others based on shared characteristics.
  • Bunching behaviors in crowds can lead to herd mentality, influencing decisions based on those around.

Translations

Translations of the word "bunch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ramo

🇮🇳 गुच्छा

🇩🇪 Bündel

🇮🇩 sekelompok

🇺🇦 пачка

🇵🇱 wiązka

🇯🇵 束

🇫🇷 groupe

🇪🇸 manojo

🇹🇷 demet

🇰🇷 다발

🇸🇦 مجموعة

🇨🇿 svazek

🇸🇰 zväzok

🇨🇳 束

🇸🇮 sveženj

🇮🇸 búnt

🇰🇿 бұтақ

🇬🇪 ჯგუფი

🇦🇿 dəstə

🇲🇽 manojo

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,208 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.