Numerosos

Numerosos is the masculine plural form of the adjective meaning “numerous” or “many” in Spanish and Portuguese. It is used to describe a large quantity of people or things and agrees with the noun in gender and number (for example, numeroso, numerosa, numerosos, numerosas).

Etymology and related forms: The term derives from Latin numerosus, from numerus “number.” Cognates include Spanish numeroso and Portuguese numeroso, all sharing roots with English numerous and Italian numeroso. The word appears in related Romance languages with similar meanings.

Usage in Spanish: In Spanish, numerosos commonly precedes or follows the noun, depending on emphasis. Examples include “un grupo numeroso” (a large group) and “los casos son numerosos” (the cases are numerous). It can describe concrete items as well as abstract concepts, such as “un equipo numeroso” (a large team) or “numerosos estudios” (numerous studies).

Usage in Portuguese: In Portuguese, numerosos functions similarly as a plural adjective. Examples include “multidão numerosa” (a large crowd) and “casos numerosos” (numerous cases). The feminine forms are numerosa and numerosas, used respectively with feminine nouns.

See also: Numerosity, a mathematical or philosophical concept related to the quality of being numerous; the Latin root numerus, meaning number.

Overall, numeroso/numerosos (and its feminine forms) are standard ways to express large quantities in Spanish and Portuguese, sharing a common Latin origin and closely related usage across the Romance language family.