much

 
Pronunciation: /mʌtʃ/

determiner & pronoun (more, most)

[often with negative or in questions]
  • a large amount: [as determiner]: I didn’t get much sleep that night I did so much shopping [as pronoun]: he does not eat much they must bear much of the blame
  • [as pronoun, with negative] used to refer disparagingly to someone or something as being a poor specimen: I’m not much of a gardener

adverb

  • to a great extent; a great deal: did it hurt much? thanks very much they did not mind, much to my surprise [with comparative]: they look much better
  • [usually with negative or in questions] for a large part of one’s time; often: I’m not there much

Phrases

as much

the same: I am sure she would do as much for me

a bit much

informal somewhat excessive or unreasonable: his earnestness can be a bit much

make much of

give or ascribe a significant amount of attention or importance to: the island can make much of its history as a trading post between Europe and the Arab world Mr Smith was glad to be made much of

(as) much as

even though: much as I had enjoyed my adventure it was good to be back

much less

see less.

not much in it

little difference between things being compared.

so much the better (or worse)

that is even better (or worse): we want to hear your say, but if you make it short, so much the better

this much

the fact about to be stated: I know this much, you would defy the world to get what you wanted

too much

an intolerable, impossible, or exhausting situation or experience: the effort proved too much for her

Derivatives

muchly

adverb ( humorous)

Origin:

Middle English: shortened from muchel, from Old English micel (see mickle)