indefinite quantity
- noun
:
cantidad indefinida
- The agreement allowed for the supply of an indefinite quantity of goods each year.
Examples
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Scientists discovered an indefinite quantity of microbes in the new ecosystem.
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We have an indefinite quantity of supplies available.
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There was an indefinite quantity of flour left in the jar, so I had to measure it carefully.
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The recipe calls for an indefinite quantity of sugar.
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The store sells items in indefinite quantities, so you can buy as much or as little as you want.
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Scientists often work with indefinite quantities in experiments when exact measurements are not required.
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When cooking, you may want to add spices in indefinite quantities to achieve the flavor you prefer.
Synonyms
A large unknown number or amount
Antonyms
How Exact
2
4.1
333
1.3
22
4.4
765
2.8
768
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward adjective+noun composition: 'indefinite' (not fixed or clearly known) modifies 'quantity' (an amount), so the meaning 'an amount not precisely determined' is directly derivable from the constituents. The compositional pattern is common across languages and follows standard English semantics, so a B1 learner who knows both words should understand it.
Etymology
The phrase indefinite quantity makes you picture a closed jar or bag you cannot look into. Indefinite means not fixed and quantity means 'amount', so the image shows why the phrase means 'an amount that is not precisely determined or specified'.