mas.: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “mas.” mean?
A large, coherent body of matter with no definite shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, coherent body of matter with no definite shape; a substantial quantity or amount.
A large number of people or things grouped together; the main body or majority of a population; a physical property of an object (physics); a religious service (Christianity).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight spelling preference in derived forms (e.g., 'massed' equally common). The term 'Mass' (religious) is equally used in Catholic contexts. No significant divergence in core meanings.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties for physical/social 'mass'. In religious context, 'Mass' is formal and specific.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties across academic (physics), general, and religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mas.” in a Sentence
[mass of NP] (a mass of paperwork)[ADJ + mass] (atomic mass)[V + mass together] (protesters massed together)[NP + mass] (air mass)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mas.” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Protesters began to mass in Parliament Square.
- Clouds were massing on the horizon.
American English
- Troops massed at the border for exercises.
- Support for the policy is massing quickly.
adverb
British English
- The goods were produced mass.
- This is not a mass-market product.
American English
- The company advertises mass.
- They fired employees mass.
adjective
British English
- Mass unemployment followed the closure.
- The event was a mass gathering.
American English
- We need a mass transit solution.
- It was an act of mass destruction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to large-scale operations: 'mass market', 'mass production', 'mass layoffs'.
Academic
Precise scientific term for quantity of matter (physics); sociological term for the general population.
Everyday
Describes a large, often shapeless amount: 'a mass of cables', 'masses of people'.
Technical
Physics: fundamental property measured in kilograms. Engineering: 'mass damping', 'mass balance'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mas.”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mas.”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mas.”
- Using 'mass' as a countable noun incorrectly (*'two masses of butter' – better: 'two lumps of butter'). Confusing 'mass' (n.) with 'massive' (adj. meaning very large). Incorrect preposition: 'mass in' vs. 'mass of'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable (e.g., 'a great mass of'). It can be countable in specific contexts (e.g., 'land masses', 'masses of data' meaning large amounts).
In physics, 'mass' is the amount of matter in an object (constant), while 'weight' is the force of gravity acting on that mass (varies with location).
It can be, if used pejoratively to imply an undifferentiated, unthinking crowd. In neutral sociological use, it refers to the general population.
The religious 'Mass' (capitalized) refers specifically to the Eucharistic ceremony in Catholicism and some other churches. It is a proper noun in this context.
A large, coherent body of matter with no definite shape.
Mas. is usually neutral to formal in register.
Mas.: in British English it is pronounced /mas/, and in American English it is pronounced /mæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be a mass of (something) (e.g., 'His face was a mass of bruises.')”
- “in the mass (considered collectively)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **mass**ive **mass** of dough – it's one big, heavy lump with no specific shape.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS SIZE/WEIGHT (A large amount is a heavy mass); UNIFORMITY IS SOLIDITY (The general public is an undifferentiated mass).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'mass' NOT typically refer to a large physical amount?