adj., n., & adv.
--adj.
1. existing or occurring in a great quantity (much trouble; not much rain; too much noise).
2 (prec. by as, how, that, etc.) with relative rather than distinctive sense (I don't know how much money you want).
--n.
1. a great quantity (much of that is true).
2 (prec. by as, how, that, etc.) with relative rather than distinctive sense (we do not need that much).
3 (usu. in neg.) a noteworthy or outstanding example (not much to look at; not much of a party).
--adv.
1. a in a great degree (much to my surprise; is much the same). b (qualifying a verb or past participle) greatly (they much regret the mistake; I was much annoyed).
Usage:
Much implies a strong verbal element in the participle, whereas very implies a strong adjectival element: compare the second example above with I was very annoyed. c qualifying a comparative or superlative adjective (much better; much the most likely).
2 for a large part of one's time (is much away from home).
Phrases and idioms:
as much the extent or quantity just specified; the idea just mentioned (I thought as much; as much as that?). a bit much colloq. somewhat excessive or immoderate. make much of see MAKE. much as even though (cannot come, much as I would like to). much less see LESS. much obliged see OBLIGE. not much colloq.
1. iron. very much.
2 certainly not. not much in it see IN. too much colloq. an intolerable situation etc. (that really is too much).
too much for
1. more than a match for.
2 beyond what is endurable by.
Derivatives:
muchly adv. joc.
Etymology: ME f. muchel MICKLE: for loss of el cf. BAD, WENCH