Countless

Definition

Countless refers to a quantity too great to be counted; innumerable. It describes something so large in number that it cannot be easily quantified or precisely measured.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊntləs/
• Respelling: KOWNT-luhs

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊntləs/
• Respelling: KOWNT-luhs

The pronunciation of "countless" is identical in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "countless" originates from Middle English, formed by combining the verb "count," from the Old French word "conter," meaning "to count" or "to reckon," and the suffix "-less," meaning "without" or "lacking." The term has been used since the late Middle Ages to describe something too numerous to be counted.

Derivatives

• Count (verb, noun)
• Counting (noun)
• Uncountable (adjective)
• Recount (verb)
• Account (noun)

Synonyms

• Innumerable
• Limitless
• Uncountable

Antonyms

• Limited
• Few
• Finite

Usage

The word "countless" is often used to express a very large, unspecified number of something. For example: "She received countless letters of support," or "There are countless stars in the night sky." It is frequently used when the exact number is either unknown or irrelevant, but is clearly vast.

Related Terms

• Innumerable: Too many to be counted.
• Boundless: Having no boundaries; unlimited.
• Myriad: A countless or extremely great number.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Too numerous to be counted; innumerable: Describes a large quantity that cannot be easily calculated or measured.
  • Example: "The explorer encountered countless challenges during his journey."