Mnoství

Mnóství is a Czech noun meaning a great number or a crowd. It denotes an indefinite, large quantity rather than a precise count. In contemporary usage it is largely literary or archaic, with množství or dav being more common alternatives depending on the context.

Etymology and history: The term is of Slavic origin and is related to cognates in other languages, such as Polish mnóstwo and Russian množestvo, all conveying the idea of a multitude. Mnóství appears in historical Czech texts and remains possible in literary prose or rhetoric, though it is less frequent in everyday speech.

Usage: Mnóství is a neuter singular noun that is typically followed by a genitive phrase to specify what the multitude consists of, for example mnóství lidí or mnóství hvězd. The accompanying verb usually agrees with the neuter singular subject, as in Mnóství lidí se shromáždilo. It can be modified by adjectives such as velké, rozsáhlé, or obrovské to heighten the sense of scale.

Nuance and context: Mnóství emphasizes breadth, variety, and mass, rather than an exact numerical quantity. It often carries a connotation of abundance or overwhelming presence, which can add a poetic or dramatic tone to descriptions. In modern prose, choosing mnóství over množství can shift the emphasis from countability to the impression of crowding or plurality.

See also: množství, dav, masa, hromada.