masses
masses — noun
1. very large quantities or numbers of things, people, or material
very large quantities or numbers of things, people, or material
Masses of wet leaves blocked the drain after the storm.
masses of + plural noun for a very large quantity
There were masses of children waiting outside the ice cream truck.
Jiwoo found masses of old photos in the attic.
The museum stored masses of broken pottery in the back room.
用法筆記
Usually appears in the pattern masses of + noun and emphasizes quantity more than shape.
2. people without special power or high status, viewed together as the main part of
people without special power or high status, viewed together as the main part of society
The speech was aimed at the masses, not just city leaders.
the masses = ordinary people as a broad social group
Cheap radios brought music and news to the masses.
Party officials feared the masses would protest rising food prices.
The poster tried to make the policy sound simple for the masses.
用法筆記
Usually used with the in the masses when speaking about ordinary people as a social group.
masses — verb
1. to gather or bring together into a large crowd or group
to gather or bring together into a large crowd or group
A crowd masses outside the courthouse before the trial begins.
intransitive: masses outside + place
The army masses troops near the border before the winter attack.
transitive: masses troops near + place
Dust masses in the corners if the classroom windows stay open.
The campaign masses volunteers in the square for the final rally.
用法筆記
Often used for people, troops, or supporters gathering in one place before a public event or action.