ample

/ˈæmpl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈæmpl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈam-pəl/ (ame, mw)

ample — adjective

1. describing an amount, area, or supply that is large enough to comfortably cover

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing an amount, area, or supply that is large enough to comfortably cover what is needed, with some left over.

例句

The new library gives students ample space to spread out their books and laptops.

ample + space (room collocation)

Mei left home early so she would have ample time to find the concert hall.

ample + time (most frequent collocation)

同義詞
  • plentiful

    everyday word; works with countable and uncountable nouns alike

  • abundant

    stronger; suggests an overflowing supply, often of natural resources

  • sufficient

    neutral; only means 'just enough', not 'more than enough'

反義詞
  • insufficient

    formal opposite; not enough to meet a need

  • scant

    literary; barely any at all

文法句型

ample + noun (time, space, evidence, opportunity)

用法筆記

Almost always sits before a noun, not after a linking verb (you say 'ample time', not 'the time was ample'). Common nouns are time, space, room, evidence, opportunity, and supply.

常見錯誤

❌The room was ample for ten people.
✅The room was big enough for ten people.
💡'ample' usually goes before a noun, not after 'be'.
❌I have ample friends in Taipei.
✅I have plenty of friends in Taipei.
💡'ample' is used with uncountable nouns or abstract amounts, not with countable people.

2. used as a polite or flattering way to describe a person's body, or part of it, a

2.形容詞C2
釋義

used as a polite or flattering way to describe a person's body, or part of it, as rounded and generous in size rather than slim.

例句

Aunt Beatrice greeted me with a warm hug and her ample bosom nearly knocked off my glasses.

ample + bosom (classic euphemism)

The tailor adjusted the silk dress to flatter Mrs. Okafor's ample figure.

ample + figure (polite description)

同義詞
  • buxom

    specifically of women, focused on the chest area

  • full-figured

    modern, polite alternative often used in fashion and clothing sizes

  • rotund

    more humorous; suggests a roundly plump shape, often of older men

反義詞
  • slender

    polite opposite; thin in an attractive way

  • slight

    describes a small, narrow build

文法句型

ample + body-part noun (figure, bosom, hips, frame)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense only describes human bodies or body parts (figure, bosom, hips, frame, waistline), and carries a softer, often complimentary tone where 'fat' or 'large' would feel rude. Almost always pre-modifies a body-part noun.

常見錯誤

❌He has an ample stomach problem.
✅He has a big stomach problem.
💡sense 2 describes the size of a body part, not the seriousness of an issue.
❌She felt ample after the meal.
✅She felt full after the meal.
💡'ample' does not describe how a person feels; it describes shape or amount.