pléthore
/ple.tɔʁ/feminine
The English phrase "plethora" can be translated into French as pléthore.
The word is used to describe an excess or an abundance of something.
Meaning: excess, abundance (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /ple.tɔʁ/.
Did you know?
- In French medical history, pléthore referred to a specific condition where the body had too much blood, which doctors once tried to cure through bloodletting.
- While the English 'plethora' is often used as a positive synonym for 'abundance', the French pléthore often carries a negative connotation of being 'over-saturated' or 'too many'.
- In French, the word pléthore is frequently used in political or administrative contexts to criticize an oversized bureaucracy with too many redundant officials.
Examples in context
- Le projet propose une pléthore de nouvelles fonctionnalités.The project offers a plethora of new features.
- J'ai un nombre incalculable de problèmes en ce moment.I have a plethora of problems at the moment.
- Il y a une pléthore de choix ici.There is a plethora of choices here.
- Elle a une pléthore de nouvelles idées.She has a plethora of new ideas.
- Nous faisons face à une pléthore d'informations.We are facing a plethora of information.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are looking at a large menu at a restaurant.
- EmmaRegarde, il y a une pléthore de plats !Look, there is a plethora of dishes!
- HugoC'est vrai, je ne sais pas quoi choisir.That's true, I don't know what to choose.
- EmmaToute cette pléthore me donne faim.All this plethora is making me hungry.
- HugoMoi aussi, commandons vite.Me too, let's order quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plethora” translations and entries pléthore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
