What does more mean?
“More” is a highly versatile English word used to express comparison, quantity, degree, continuation, and addition. Before a noun, it functions as a determiner, as in “more examples,” while before an adjective or adverb it creates the comparative form, as in “more careful” or “more quickly.” It can also stand alone as an adverb, meaning “to a greater extent” or “again,” and as a noun in expressions such as “there is more” or “the more the merrier.” The word is appropriate in formal, professional, and casual contexts, although “easier” or “more quickly” is often preferred over the corresponding “more easy” or “more quick” in careful editorial style. “More” should not be confused with “most”: “more” compares particular quantities or qualities, whereas “most” commonly identifies the greatest member of a group or the usual condition.
A greater in amount, number, or degree; the comparative form of “many” or “much.”
"There are more applicants this year than ever before."
Before a noun, “more” is generally used as a determiner, as in “more people,” “more time,” or “more evidence.”
To a greater extent or degree; additionally or again.
"Please speak more slowly so that everyone can follow."
It can compare adjectives and adverbs, especially in informal usage, as in “more quietly,” though a regular comparative ending is often preferred in formal writing.
A determiner used before a plural noun or an uncountable noun to indicate a greater quantity.
"We need more chairs for the visitors."
This use is especially common in everyday English and is not usually used with singular count nouns, for which “another” or “an additional” may be needed.
A greater or additional amount or quantity.
"There is more to the proposal than initially appeared."
The noun use is established mainly in fixed expressions and constructions such as “the more the merrier” and “there is more.”
The word “more” carries a surprisingly broad range: it can compare quantities, intensify adjectives, express continuation, and even stand as a noun in phrases such as “the more the merrier.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does more come from?
The modern word developed from Middle English more, which continued the Old English comparative māra, related to the larger or greater of two things. The Old English form was influenced by the suffix -er, while the modern form reflects the more general comparative use before nouns and adjectives. Cognate forms appear in other Germanic languages, including German mehr, Dutch meer, and Danish mere. The word is also related in origin to other Germanic forms meaning “great” or “much.”
How more is actually used
“More” is standard in both formal and informal English. It is commonly used before nouns and adjectives, although constructions such as “more easy” are traditionally considered less formal than “easier” in careful edited prose. The determiner use, as in “more people,” is especially common in spoken and informal English.
Easily confused with more
“More” compares two or more things, while “most” usually indicates the greatest amount within a group or the usual degree of something.
“More” indicates a greater amount or degree, whereas “less” indicates a smaller amount or degree.