abound

UK: əˈbaʊnd | US: əˈbaʊnd

Definition

  1. vi. to exist in large numbers or amounts

  2. vi. to be plentiful or abundant

Structure
a <to, toward>bound <limit, boundary>
Etymology

abound = a<to, toward> + bound<limit, boundary>

  • a- (prefix): From Latin ad-, meaning "to" or "toward."
  • bound (root): From Old French bondir ("to leap, rebound"), later influenced by Latin bodina ("boundary"). The sense evolved to imply "limits" or "overflowing limits," hence "abundance."

Etymology Origin:
The word "abound" originated from Latin abundare ("to overflow"), combining ab- ("away from") + unda ("wave"). Over time, it shifted through Old French abonder before entering Middle English with the sense of "being plentiful." The modern meaning retains the idea of exceeding limits—like waves overflowing—to describe abundance.

Examples

  1. Fish abound in this river during spring.

  2. Opportunities abound for skilled workers in the tech industry.

  3. The forest abounds with wildlife.

  4. Stories about his adventures abound in the village.

  5. In summer, fresh fruits abound at the local market.