lots
lots Lexical Profile
lots Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large number, amount, or quantity of people or things (typically followed by 'of').
"We found lots of helpful reference books in the university library."
Distinct parcels or plots of land set aside for sale, building, or a specific use, such as parking.
"The developer purchased three adjacent vacant lots near the downtown district."
Separate articles or sets of items offered for sale individually at an auction, or produced together in manufacturing batches.
"The antique furniture was divided into fifty numbered lots for the estate auction."
Objects such as slips of paper, straws, or pebbles drawn or thrown to reach a decision by chance.
"The committee members drew lots to determine the speaking order for the debate."
• pronoun
A large number or amount; a great deal.
"We have already packed some boxes, but there is still lots to do before the movers arrive."
• adverb
To a very great degree or extent; much (frequently used before comparative adjectives or adverbs).
"After a full night of rest, she felt lots better and was ready to return to work."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although exceedingly common in everyday conversation, 'lots' (as a pronoun or adverb meaning a large amount or to a great extent) is considered informal; in academic or formal writing, 'many', 'much', or 'a great deal' is preferred.
• Rhymes for lots
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the plural of 'lot', from Old English 'hlot', meaning an object used to determine a share by chance, which later expanded to mean a parcel of land or a large quantity.