Masses
/ˈmæsɪz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA large number of people or things, especially when considered as a whole or without regard to individual differences.
/ˈmæsɪz/
A large number of people or things.
The artist's work was popular with the masses.
💡 Simply: Imagine a giant group of people. Like, when everyone goes to the same concert or watches a parade. That's the masses! It’s like, 'Oh look at all the people!'
👶 For kids: Lots and lots of people or things all together.
More Examples
The government implemented policies to benefit the masses, not just the elite.
The media often focuses on events that captivate the masses.
How It's Used
"The politician appealed to the masses with promises of economic prosperity."
"During the revolution, the masses rose up against the ruling class."
A considerable quantity of something, especially a substance.
/ˈmæsɪz/
A large quantity or amount.
The earthquake released a mass of energy.
💡 Simply: Think about how much stuff you have, like a big pile of LEGOs or a huge amount of flour for baking. It's a big amount or a large amount of something.
👶 For kids: A big bunch of stuff.
More Examples
The meteor's mass created a significant impact.
The company produced a mass of products.
How It's Used
"The scientist measured the masses of different objects."
"The star's mass determined its lifespan."
Idioms & expressions
the masses
The general population; the common people.
"The government should make sure the program benefits the masses."
From Middle English 'masses', plural of 'masse', from Old French 'masse' ('lump, heap'), from Late Latin 'massa' ('lump, dough'), from Greek 'maza' ('barley cake').
The word 'masses' has been used for centuries to describe large groups of people. It gained prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries during social and political movements.
Memory tip
Think of a huge crowd at a concert – that's the masses.
Word Origin
"Barley cake"