meaning in context - When does thousand turn into thousands?


My boyfriend and I are arguing whether thousands of miles means 1000+ or 2000+ miles.


The first argument is that 1000+ is over 1000 and therefore 'thousands of miles' by rounding up.


The other argument is that thousands are a unit, and if you only have one unit plus a fraction of that unit it is not 'thousands of miles', it is a thousand miles plus the fraction: therefore only 2000+ is really 'thousands of miles'.



Answer



If your argument was that thousands means 2000+, then you could show your boyfriend the following dictionaries, which define thousands in your favour:



Do not show him the following dictionaries, which define thousands in his favour:



I'd say opinion is well and truly divided.


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