Much: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒŸ
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much

 

[ mสŒtสƒ ]

Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

quantifier

A large amount or extent. Used to emphasize the degree of something.

Synonyms

considerably, greatly, significantly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
much

Use when expressing a large amount or degree. It's very versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • I love you very much.
  • She doesn't have much time.
greatly

Often used in formal speech or writing to emphasize a high degree of something. It adds a sense of strong appreciation or significance.

  • Your help is greatly appreciated.
  • He has greatly influenced my career.
considerably

Better suited for formal or academic contexts when indicating a large degree or extent. It suggests a noticeable and significant change or amount.

  • The weather has improved considerably.
  • Her health has deteriorated considerably over the past year.
significantly

Best used in formal or technical settings to describe a substantial and measurable difference or amount. Often used when discussing data, results, or changes.

  • The new policy has significantly reduced costs.
  • Her performance has improved significantly.

Examples of usage

  • Thank you very much for your help.
  • I enjoyed the movie very much.
Context #2 | Adverb

to a great extent

To a great degree or extent; very.

Synonyms

extremely, quite, very.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
much

Used to indicate a high degree of something, often in comparison or for emphasis. Common in negative and interrogative sentences.

  • I don't have much time.
  • Is there much difference between the two products?
very

Used to emphasize a high degree, commonly seen in both written and spoken English. It is often used with adjectives and adverbs.

  • I am very happy with my new job.
  • This is a very important meeting.
quite

Used to indicate a moderate or considerable degree, but less intense than 'very'. It can also imply a slight understatement or surprise, depending on the tone and context.

  • The book was quite interesting.
  • It's quite cold outside today.
extremely

Used to emphasize a very high degree of something. It is more intense than 'very' or 'quite' and often used in formal or written contexts.

  • She was extremely grateful for the help.
  • The weather today is extremely hot.

Examples of usage

  • She was much happier after the promotion.
  • He doesn't talk much.
Context #3 | Adverb

used in negative sentences and questions for emphasis

Used in negative sentences and questions to emphasize a lack or small amount of something.

Synonyms

hardly any, little, not a lot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
much

Used to describe a large quantity of something, can be positive, neutral, or negative.

  • He spends too much time on his phone.
  • There isnโ€™t much water left.
little

Used to describe a small quantity of something, often highlighting its insufficiency or scarcity.

  • She has little money saved up.
  • There was little time to prepare.
not a lot

Used to describe a small quantity of something in a more casual or conversational tone.

  • I donโ€™t have a lot of free time.
  • Thereโ€™s not a lot we can do about it.
hardly any

Used to describe a very small quantity of something, often in a slightly negative or concerned context.

  • There is hardly any food left in the fridge.
  • Hardly any students passed the test.

Examples of usage

  • He doesn't eat much.
  • Did you have much trouble finding the place?

Translations

Translations of the word "much" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น muito

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคนเฅเคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช viel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ banyak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะฐะณะฐั‚ะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ duลผo

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŸใใ•ใ‚“

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท beaucoup

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mucho

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงok

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งŽ์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุซูŠุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hodnฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ veฤพa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅพˆๅคš

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ veliko

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mikiรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบำฉะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ”แƒ•แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รงox

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mucho

Etymology

The word 'much' has Old English origins and can be traced back to the 8th century. It has evolved over time to take on various meanings and uses in the English language. Originally used as an adverb of quantity, 'much' has come to be used in a variety of contexts to indicate degree, extent, or emphasis.

See also: overmuch.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #77, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.