Mass Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈmɑːs/ or /ˈmæs/

Part of Speech

Noun or Number (as in mass production)

Definition

The quantity of matter that has weight and occupies space, though not necessarily having volume or definite shape, or a religious service in the Roman Catholic Church considered one of the seven sacraments, or a large number of people or things.

Examples

• The company had large mass production of cars to meet the increasing demand.
• The priest led the mass on Sunday morning.
• The object was made of a massive mass of metal.

Synonyms

• Quantity
• Number
• Quantity

Antonyms

• Fraction
• Part
• Scarcity

Etymology

The word “mass” comes from the Old English word “mæsse” and the Latin word “massa”, meaning “crumb” or “large quantity”.

Usage Notes

The word “mass” can be used in different contexts, such as referring to a large quantity of something, a religious service, or a number of people or things. It’s essential to consider the context in which the word is used to ensure accurate meaning.

Cultural References

The word “mass” has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, in the novel “The Mass” by Georges Bernanos, the word is used to describe a religious service.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Mass production” refers to the production of large quantities of a product.
• “Mass hysteria” refers to a situation where a large number of people become hysterical or panicked.

Related Words or Phrases

• Quantity
• Number
• Amount

Collocations

• Mass production
• Mass hysteria
• Mass media

Frequency of Use

The word “mass” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in the context of business, technology, and media.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of “mass” include “moss”, “masses”, and “massed”.