Much: meaning, definitions and examples

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much

[mʌtʃ ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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?

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 isn’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 don’t have a lot of free time. There’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?

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has roots in Old English 'mūc', which indicated quantity and extent.
Initially, it was used in the context of uncountable nouns, emphasizing the need for more.
Its use as an adjective increased during the 14th century, showing its evolution in English.

Grammar

It is often used as an adverb for degree, as in 'much better' or 'much bigger'.
The term can also serve to quantify uncountable nouns, like in 'much water' or 'much help'.
In questions and negatives, it emphasizes the level, such as 'How much?' or 'Not much.'

Cultural Relevance

In English-speaking cultures, the usage of 'much' can denote politeness; asking 'How much do you need?' shows caring.
'Much' appears in popular phrases like 'much ado about nothing,' illustrating that sometimes trivial matters are made to seem important.
The term has been adopted in various languages, often to show a similar meaning of quantity, highlighting its global importance.

Psychology

The way we perceive 'much' can influence our emotional responses, as feeling overwhelmed may make us think we have 'too much' to handle.
Studies show that using 'much' in praise can create a stronger positive reinforcement in learning environments.
Understanding the concept of 'much' helps children grasp the idea of quantity and comparison in a more abstract way.

Literature

The phrase 'much' has been used powerfully in various literary works to create emphasis and convey deeper meanings.
Writers may deploy 'much' to create contrasts, as in describing a landscape or a character’s emotions, enhancing the narrative.
In poetry, 'much' can be employed to evoke feelings of longing or abundance, appealing to the reader's senses.

Translations

Translations of the word "much" in other languages:

🇵🇹 muito

🇮🇳 बहुत

🇩🇪 viel

🇮🇩 banyak

🇺🇦 багато

🇵🇱 dużo

🇯🇵 たくさん

🇫🇷 beaucoup

🇪🇸 mucho

🇹🇷 çok

🇰🇷 많이

🇸🇦 كثير

🇨🇿 hodně

🇸🇰 veľa

🇨🇳 很多

🇸🇮 veliko

🇮🇸 mikið

🇰🇿 көп

🇬🇪 ბევრი

🇦🇿 çox

🇲🇽 mucho

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.

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74 now
75 used
76 use
77 much
78 people
79 part
80 because
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