ample

[ am-puhl ]

adjective

, am·pler, am·plest.

1. fully sufficient or more than adequate for the purpose or needs; plentiful; enough: ample time to finish.

   an ample supply of water;

   ample time to finish.

2. of sufficient or abundant measure; liberal; copious:

   an ample reward.

   Synonyms: plenteous, lavish, free, generous

   Antonyms: meager, scanty

3. of adequate or more than adequate extent, size, or amount; large; spacious; roomy:

   ample storage space.

   Synonyms: vast, great, capacious, extensive

ample

/ ˈæmpəl /

adjective

1. more than sufficient; abundant

   an ample helping

2. large in size, extent, or amount

   of ample proportions

Derived Forms

• ˈampleness, noun

Other Words From

• ample·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ample¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin amplus “wide, large”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ample¹

C15: from Old French, from Latin amplus spacious

Synonym Study

See plentiful. Ample, liberal, copious, profuse describe degrees of abundant provision. Ample implies a plentiful provision: to give ample praise. Liberal implies provision from a generous supply (more than ample but less than copious ): Liberal amounts of food were distributed to people who needed it. Copious implies an apparently inexhaustible and lavish abundance: a copious flow of tears. Profuse implies a still more unrestrained abundance of provision or flow: profuse in his apologies.

Example Sentences

For anything to work, including law itself, there must be ample room for individual responsibility.

From The Daily Beast

The Senate report provides ample evidence of many problems to correct.

From The Daily Beast

Three years later, Washington came armed with ample alcohol—enough for a half gallon for every voter—and won with 331 votes.

From The Daily Beast

Do you feel they did an ample job of portraying his troubled later years—in particular, the violence towards women?

From The Daily Beast

It typically came with a desk in the building, and ample access to lawmakers.

From The Daily Beast

His idea was that there would be ample time later to order a concentration on either wing or on the centre.

From Project Gutenberg

Arrived at the dépôt, I discharged my porter, sat down and waited for the place to open, with ample leisure for reflection.

From Project Gutenberg

Large divans of the richest crimson and violet brocades lined the walls, while ample curtains of the same served in lieu of doors.

From Project Gutenberg

Ample tolerance of all religions and sects, but abolition and expulsion of all monastic Orders.

From Project Gutenberg

When the owner can afford it, an ample supply of cushions and shawls makes the clumsy vehicle more comfortable for its occupant.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abundant
• bountiful
• broad
• copious
• expansive
• extensive
• generous
• great
• plentiful
• spacious
• substantial
• voluminous
• wide