A lot originally names a share or group. The fixed expression uses it to mean a large quantity.
Large quantity
quantity
neutral
A large number of people or things, or a large amount of something.
Examples
- There are a lot of books in this room.
- She drinks a lot of water after running.
- We met a lot of people at the party.
- Do you have a lot of homework tonight?
- He spent a lot of time on the picture.
Similar words
lots of
plenty of