much

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /mʌt​͡ʃ/
• SAMPA: /mVtS/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Determiner

Determiner much

Comparative more

Superlative most

1. (indefinite) (singular) (non-count) a lot of; a large amount of; a high degree

   I don't have much money.

   I don't like the cider very much.

   I know how much he loves everybody in the house.

   You're not much better than he is.

   She was much more fun after a few drinks.

   This is almost as much fun as last week.

   We bought another one, but the cost was much greater.

   I don't think it matters much what you study.

   Thank you very much!

   Much attention has been given to the question of where the money should go.

   They arrived much sooner than we had expected.

   He's very much the Englishman.

2. If someone or something is very much alive, interested, open, etc., they are indeed so, contrary to expectations.
   • Synonyms: certainly, indeed and actually

   I thought the window was closed, but it was very much open.

3. If something is pretty much impossible, useless, perfect, etc. it is roughly so.
   • Synonyms: roughly, almost and more or less

   Your hair looks pretty much perfect the way it is.

Usage

Much can modify verbs, but only in passive voice:

• It was much improved after five days.
• The teacher was much criticized by the students.
• This type was much used before World War II.