myriad | SAT Word of the Day
This is definitely a pinky-up word that also means 10,000.
ℹ️ Part of speech of myriad
myriad is both an ADJECTIVE and a NOUN (count).
🗣️ Pronunciation of myriad
myriad is pronounced /ˈmɪr.i.əd/ or MEER-ee-ud.
📚️ Definition of myriad
As an adjective: Countless, extremely numerous. Example: myriad stars.
As a noun: A countless or extremely great number. Example: a myriad of possibilities.
🗣️ 🔤 📣 The Adjective vs. Noun Debate
Few words create as much grammatical debate as myriad. Language pedants insist it should be used primarily as an adjective ("myriad stars"), while descriptivists point out that it has been used as both an adjective and a noun ("a myriad of stars") since it entered English in the 16th century. Both usages are correct and accepted in modern English. Many great authors used both forms in their writings, so you're in good company either way!
📰 Examples
Here are some examples of myriad in usage:
Emily Dickinson explored the myriad aspects of human mortality in her poems.
I got a myriad of problems, but what to do with my millions ain't one of 'em!
Shakespeare's sonnets reveal myriad emotions through their carefully constructed metaphors and imagery.
I'll never forget my college apartment, and the myriad cockroaches I shared the space with.