What does “In droves” mean?
"In droves" means that something is happening or being done by a large number of people or in large groups.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Fans flocked to the concert, arriving in droves.
Example
The store had a sale and customers came in droves.
Example
When the news broke, people started protesting in droves
Is “In droves” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“In droves” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “In droves” effectively in context?
You can use "In droves" to describe a situation where a large number of people or things are present or arriving at the same time. It emphasizes the idea of a significant and noticeable quantity. For example, if you want to talk about a popular event, you might say, 'Fans flocked to the concert, arriving "in droves".'
- 1Events
The store had a sale and customers came in droves.
- 2Protests
When the news broke, people started protesting in droves.
- 3Natural Phenomena
During the migration season, birds fly south in droves.
Similar phrases to “In droves”:
En masse
To describe a situation where a large group of people or things are present or acting together
Example
The protesters marched en masse through the streets.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “In droves” come from?
The origin of the phrase "In droves" is unknown.
Is “In droves” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "In droves" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where a large number of people or things are present or arriving at the same time.
What tone does “In droves” have?
"In droves" conveys a tone of abundance and intensity. It suggests a significant and noticeable quantity, creating a vivid image of a large group or mass of people or things.
Can “In droves” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "In droves" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a situation with a large number of people or things. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Fans flocked to the concert, arriving "in droves".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They came "in droves"!' to imply a large number of people or things.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- in great numbers
- in heaps
- in multitudes
- in swarms
- in masses
Antonyms
- in dribs and drabs
- in small numbers
- in few
- in scarcity
- in trickles
