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many another

many another

8.9
Each of many people or things, one by one, often used in formal writing
  • determiner
  • Literature
translation icon : cada uno de muchos
  • Many another challenge awaited the young scientist after her first discovery.

Examples

  • We spent many another afternoon reminiscing about our travels.

  • I have read many another book by that author.

  • He has faced many another difficult decision in his long career.

  • She has faced many another challenge in her career.

  • Many another student contributed to the project, showcasing their unique talents.

  • Many another tree along the path had been planted for the celebration.

  • Many another idea was proposed during the meeting before a final decision was made.

Synonyms

many a
vsmany another
  • Literature
44 3.4

Put before a singular noun to say many people or things

is used to refer to each individual in literary or formal contexts
many
vsmany another
9 1.0

A large number of people or things you can count

is mainly literary or formal and emphasizes each item individually

Surface Forms

many another singular

Morphology

many + another

The notion of ‘many another’ is loosely related to the meanings of 'many' (a large number) and 'another' (an additional one), so learners may get a general sense of plurality, but the specific idiomatic use — a literary/formal construction that treats many items individually (often with a singular noun) — is not directly predictable from the constituents. Because of its uncommon, somewhat archaic syntax and the non‑literal singular usage, a B1 learner who knows the words would likely be only partially able to infer the exact meaning without prior exposure.

Etymology

The phrase many another comes from old English when writers put many before another to show many single people or things, each 'one' by itself. That's why it means many people or things seen separately and is often used in formal or literary writing.