ample

Ample is an English adjective meaning more than enough or sufficient, and also spacious or extensive in size. In usage, it commonly describes quantity or extent that exceeds what is necessary, as in an ample supply, ample time, or ample evidence. It can also describe physical space, as in an ample room. The word can be used predicatively (“The room is ample”) or attributively (“an ample apartment”). Its corresponding adverb is amply, meaning to a sufficient or generous extent (They were amply rewarded).

Etymology and background: Ample comes from Old French ample, from Latin amplus meaning full, spacious, or large. The sense related to abundance developed in Middle English. The term has cognates in other Romance languages and has retained a generally formal or literary tone in modern English.

Usage and nuance: Ample carries a positive or favorable nuance, indicating sufficiency without implying excess. It is common in formal or written styles and is widely understood in both American and British English. Typical collocations include ample space, ample time, ample evidence, ample funding, and ample opportunity.

Related forms and synonyms: The adverb form is amply. Synonyms include abundant, plentiful, sufficient, and roomy; antonyms include insufficient and meager. In context, choosing ample emphasizes generosity or sufficiency of a resource or dimension rather than mere adequacy or scarcity.

Examples: There is ample room for discussion. The team had ample time to complete the project. The court found ample evidence supporting the claim. The committee provided amply funded resources for the program.