ˈampəl, ˈaam-, ˈaim- adjective
( ampler -pələ(r) ; amplest -pələ̇st)
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin amplus; probably akin to Latin ampla handle and perhaps to Sanskrit amatra vessel, drinking bowl; basic meaning: grasping
1. : marked by extensive or more than adequate size, volume, space, or room
two celebrated palaces, each with an ample garden — T.B.Macaulay
it is doubtful that the Fathers in 1783 contemplated expansion across the empty continent beyond the ample boundaries set down — S.F.Bemis
2.
a. : marked by more than adequate measure in strength, force, scope, effectiveness, or influence
the light they yielded was more than ample for the purpose — Thomas Hardy
a government entrusted with such ample powers — John Marshall
b. : marked by more than adequate measure in number or amount
possessing ample means they entertained generously — C.A.Dinsmore
supplies were ample for three days — Dorothy Sayers
3.
a. : marked by generous plenty or by abundance : more than adequate : not scant or niggard
an ample picnic basket — Dixon Wecter
b. : copious , voluminous , full
an ample biography
4. : satisfying wants or desires more than adequately
ample comfort
5. : buxom , portly
an imposing creature, tall and stout, with an ample bust — W.S.Maugham
Synonyms:
spacious , capacious , commodious : ample always means considerably more than adequate or sufficient. Applied to what can be measured or counted, it suggests size, scope, space, or fullness and contrasts with scant, sparse, or narrow
an ample sum — one sufficient to supply those wants of hers — Thomas Hardy
“Do you want me to miss this train?” But he knew that the margin of time was ample — Arnold Bennett
the plan, which Julius had designed for a lengthy campaign and ample forces, failed when it was put into execution in a hurry with inadequate troops — John Buchan
Applied to persons' figures it suggests stoutness
a plump, maternal-looking woman, with an ample figure, which did not conform to the wasp waist of the period — Ellen Glasgow
genial clergy of ample girth, stuffed with the buttered toast of a refectory tea — S.B.Leacock
In other matters it may indicate unstinted copiousness or generosity
the work … is of ample proportions. There will be six volumes altogether — Dumas Malone
spacious stresses great space, area, or scope
white villas, gray convents, church spires, villages, towns … were scattered upon this spacious map — Nathaniel Hawthorne
the great chilly unused drawing room whose spacious ceremoniousness seemed to embrace and envelope her — J.C.Powys
In more figurative senses it may suggest breadth, expanse, and freedom from constriction
in his lordly way — for he always talked, and unfortunately acted, in a spacious manner — Osbert Sitwell
frequent visits to Europe, with grouse shooting in Scotland and swimming on the Riviera, were part of the spacious life of the wealthy — H.W.Baehr
capacious suggests ability to hold or contain a great deal, a wealth of freely available space
a capacious old house with big rooms
It is often used with humorous suggestion
was very stout … he wore a capacious waistcoat — Samuel Butler
a man of capacious mind, seeing that he could draw much wider conclusions without evidence than could be expected of his neighbors — George Eliot
commodious stresses roominess and freedom from constriction, from being limited or pent in
we passed a large inlet … it appeared to be the entrance to a safe and commodious harbor — C.B.Nordhoff & J.N.Hall
It may have added suggestions of convenience and comfort
my mother's room is very commodious … large and cheerful looking … the most comfortable apartment in the house — Jane Austen
Synonym: see in addition plentiful .