Plenty and Plenary Both Mean Full
Plenty means a large amount. The Latin root is fullness, which also gives complete, replete and plenary.
Plenty means a large or sufficient amount. The Latin *plenus*, full, produced a substantial family: *plenary*, meaning full or complete, *replete*, filled again, *complete*, filled up, *plentiful* and *plenitude*. The *cornucopia* of classical art is called the horn of plenty for the same idea of overflowing fullness.
- A large amount. *Plenty of time.*
- Abundance. *A land of plenty.*
- Plenty as an adverb. *Plenty big enough.*
- Horn of plenty — a cornucopia. *The horn of plenty.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | plenty | Plenty to do. |
| Adjective | plentiful | A plentiful harvest. |
| Adjective | plenary | A plenary session. |
| Related | replete | Replete with detail. |
| Related | complete | A complete set. |
How it is used in a sentence
- A plenary session includes everyone.Full attendance.
- Plenty of and plenty are both used.Plenty of time, or plenty big.
- Cornucopia means horn of plenty.Latin *cornu copiae*.
Words from *plenus*, full
- Plenty — fullness or abundance
- Plenary — full and complete
- Replete — thoroughly filled
- Complete — filled up
- Supplement — something filling a gap
From Old French *plente*, from Latin *plenitatem*, fullness, from *plenus*, full — related to English *full* and *fill*.
What is a plenary session?
One attended by all participants of a conference or assembly, as opposed to a smaller committee or breakout meeting.
Are full and plenty related?
Yes, at a distance. Latin *plenus* and English *full* descend from the same Indo-European root.