mengder

Mengder is a Norwegian noun that denotes quantities or large amounts. The standard plural form is mengder. It is commonly used with non-count nouns or with indefinite, sizable amounts, as in phrases like mengder av data or det ble funnet mengder med bøker. In everyday language, the word carries a sense of abundance rather than a precise count.

Etymology and related terms: Mengder derives from Old Norse mengi meaning a great amount, and is cognate with Danish mængde and German Menge. The sense of large quantity is shared across the Scandinavian languages, reflecting historic Germanic roots for mass and quantity.

Senses in different domains: In general Norwegian, mengde refers to amount or quantity. In mathematics and logic, the term mengde is used to translate the English word “set,” with the plural mengder used for multiple sets. This mathematical sense is distinct from the everyday usage related to bulk or volume.

Usage notes and nuance: Mengde is typically used with mass or indeterminate quantities (for example, "mengde vann," a quantity of water) or with plural nouns that convey a large number of items without specifying exact counts. When referring to discrete, countable items, the word antall is often used instead (for example, "et stort antall mennesker" for a large number of people). The choice between mengde and antall can affect nuance, with mengde emphasizing bulk and antall emphasizing count.