Quantities: meaning, definitions and examples

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quantities

 

[ˈkwɒntɪtiz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

measuring units

Quantities refer to amounts or numbers that can be measured or counted. They can be expressed in various units such as liters, kilograms, meters, or pieces.

Synonyms

amounts, numbers, volumes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quantities

Used when referring to a measurable amount of something that can be counted or measured in bulk. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The laboratory needs large quantities of chemicals for the experiment
  • They ordered quantities of supplies for the school year
amounts

Suitable for referring to a total sum or mass of something that can be measured but not counted individually. Commonly used in everyday language and financial contexts.

  • She added small amounts of salt to the recipe
  • He saved significant amounts of money over the years
numbers

Best used when referring to individual units that can be counted. Often used in mathematical, statistical, or everyday contexts.

  • The teacher asked the students to write down the numbers from one to ten
  • The report lists the numbers of people attending the event
volumes

Used when referring to the three-dimensional space that something occupies, or referring to large amounts of something, often in physical form. Suitable for both technical and everyday contexts.

  • The container can hold large volumes of liquid
  • The library has volumes of books on various subjects

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to measure the quantities of ingredients accurately for the recipe.
  • The quantities of products sold last month have increased significantly.
  • She bought large quantities of books for her personal library.
Context #2 | Noun

large number

Quantities can also refer to a large number or amount of something. It implies a significant or substantial volume or extent.

Synonyms

large amounts, significant volumes, substantial numbers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quantities

Used in formal settings, often in science, cooking, or business when referring to specific measurements.

  • The recipe calls for precise quantities of each ingredient
  • The warehouse stores large quantities of goods
large amounts

Commonly used in casual conversation to describe a lot of something, without needing precise measurements.

  • She has large amounts of homework to do
  • We received large amounts of rain last night
substantial numbers

Appropriate in formal and informal contexts to describe a notable or considerable count, often used in demographics or statistics.

  • A substantial number of people attended the event
  • There are substantial numbers of students enrolled in the course this semester
significant volumes

Used in technical or professional settings to emphasize the importance or substantial nature of an amount, often in industries like logistics, trade, or data analysis.

  • The company deals with significant volumes of data daily
  • The port processed significant volumes of cargo last year

Examples of usage

  • The company produces quantities of goods to meet the high demand.
  • We need to order quantities of food for the event.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, quantities can be represented as numbers and can vary in size, from tiny amounts to massive numbers.
  • Quantities are essential in mathematics for calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Different types of quantities can be measured, including whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Science

  • In physics, quantities can be classified into scalar (having only magnitude) and vector (having both magnitude and direction) types.
  • In Chemistry, measuring quantities of substances is crucial for reactions, often expressed in moles.
  • The concept of 'quantities' is vital in establishing ratios and proportions, which are fundamental to understanding scientific relationships.

Economics

  • In economics, quantities often refer to the amount of goods and services available in the market, influencing supply and demand dynamics.
  • Quantities play a significant role in comparing and analyzing data in economic models and forecasts.
  • The law of demand suggests that when the quantity of a good increases, its price tends to fall, assuming constant demand.

Nutrition

  • In nutrition, understanding the right quantities of food can help maintain a healthy diet and prevent overeating.
  • Dieticians provide guidelines based on recommended daily amounts of food groups to achieve balanced nutrition.
  • Food packaging often includes information on serving sizes to help consumers manage their dietary quantities.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the concept of quantity versus quality, often discussing how the amount of something can affect its perceived value.
  • In discussions of existentialism, the idea of 'quantity of experiences' can play a role in how one measures a fulfilling life.
  • The distinction between finite and infinite quantities raises questions about existence and the universe in philosophical contexts.

Translations

Translations of the word "quantities" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quantidades

🇮🇳 मात्राएँ

🇩🇪 Mengen

🇮🇩 kuantitas

🇺🇦 кількості

🇵🇱 ilości

🇯🇵 数量

🇫🇷 quantités

🇪🇸 cantidades

🇹🇷 miktarlar

🇰🇷 수량

🇸🇦 كميات

🇨🇿 množství

🇸🇰 množstvá

🇨🇳 数量

🇸🇮 količine

🇮🇸 magn

🇰🇿 мөлшерлер

🇬🇪 რაოდენობები

🇦🇿 miqdarlar

🇲🇽 cantidades

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,182, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.