What Does Ample Mean? – Usage & Definition

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Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Ample is such a funny-sounding word, isn’t it? It’s one of those terms that sounds sunnier the more you say it. But what does it even mean? How are you meant to use it? I’ll go over all those questions and more in this guide to the meaning of ample.

What Does Ample Mean?

What Does Ample Mean Usage Definition

“Ample” is a common adjective we use in English to describe a quantity or size that’s considered more than sufficient or adequate for whatever the purpose or need for it is. It typically implies abundance, generosity, or a sizeable amount.

Ample Reputation Meaning

When the word “ample” is used in the context of reputation, it shows that a person or entity has a substantial, well-established, and positive reputation. This can mean the person or organization has earned a decent level of respect, recognition, or admiration within their field or community.

It’s like how the president of the United States has an ample reputation, or a local celebrity might also have an ample reputation around your hometown.

Ample Jobs Meaning

In the context of jobs or employment, “ample” would be used in a situation where there are more than enough jobs or positions available for job seekers. You’ll see this often when the job market is lush with opportunities, like when there’s a high demand for something like nursing or engineering.

A great example would be the big boom that happened years ago in Northern Alberta, Canada. The oil industry was operating at max capacity, and the demand around the world meant that jobs were plentiful in the field. If you live in Canada, there’s a very good chance you know someone who worked (or still works) in the oil fields of Alberta.

What Is the Plural of Ample?

As “ample” is an adjective, it actually doesn’t have a plural form. Adjectives describe nouns; their forms aren’t supposed to change according to the quantity or number of the noun they’re changing. But you can say ampler or amplest to state that something has more of an abundance than another thing.

  • That bucket of apples is the amplest of all the buckets.
  • That bucket of apples is ampler than the rest.

What Is the Verb Form of Ample?

“Ample” doesn’t have a direct verb form. But the word “amplify” can sometimes be used as a verb with a somewhat similar meaning, specifically when you’re discussing making something bigger.

  • We have an ample amount of food for the party.
  • Let’s amplify it and add some spicy dishes.

How to Pronounce Ample

Ample is pronounced as am-pell. Put stress on the first syllable, and the A is short, as in cat.

Synonyms of Ample

  • Abundant
  • Sufficient
  • Plentiful
  • Copious
  • Generous
  • Substantial
  • Considerable
  • Spacious

Using Ample in a Sentence

What Does Ample Mean Usage Definition 1
  • The farmers were grateful for the ample rainfall this season, which ensured a bountiful harvest and good news for the food market.
  • With ample time to prepare, my daughter was confident she would ace the French exam.
  • Our new spacious living room provides ample space for us to entertain family and guests.
  • You will all have ample opportunity to finish the exam. 
  • The company I worked at had ample resources to invest in new projects and expand its operations, but it decided not to.
  • I have an ample amount of fantasy books in my home library, but I plan to amplify that by installing more bookshelves.

That’s Ample Information

I know that’s a lot of words just to explain what ample means, but sometimes having more context around a topic can help explain it better. With these tips, synonyms, and sentence examples, I hope you’re more confident in using the word ample. Just remember that it basically means you have enough and then some.

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