more

1 adverb

1 (+ adj/adv) having a particular quality or characteristic to a greater degree than someone or something else: more interesting/expensive etc: We can make the test more difficult byadding a time limit. | It could have been an infection but it's more likely to have been something you ate. | more interesting/expensive etc than: Who knows if there are beings more advanced than ourselves out there on other planets? | much/a lot/far more: Many of the children feel much more confident if they work in groups.

—opposite less 2 (1)

2 used to say that something happens more often or for a longer time than before or than something else: He's managed to master the basics of tennis but needs to practice a bit more. | more than: Businesses use computers more than they used to. | far/much/a lot more: He goes out a lot more now he has the car.

—opposite less 2 (1)

3 used to say that something such as a feeling or opinion is felt or believed to a greater degree: I couldn't agree more. | more than: It's her manner I dislike, more than what she actually says. | much/far/a lot more: She cares far more for her dogs than she does for me.

—opposite less 2 (1)

4 more and more if something happens or is done more and more it happens or is done more than before and is becoming common: More and more I see young boys with no prospects turning to crime or drugs.

5 more and more tired/angry etc increasingly tired, angry etc as time passes: As the disease worsened he found walking more and more difficult.

6 once more

a) if you do something once more you do it again and usually for the last time: Can we rehearse the scene once more before the show starts?

b) especially literary again: Once more the soldiers attacked and once more they were defeated.

7 not any more also no more literary no longer: Didn't you know? Paul and Ann aren't going out together any more. | No more is it possible to stand on the football terraces and cheer on your local team.

8 more often than not used to say that something usually happens: More often than not people don't realise what their rights are.

9 be more than pleased/sorry etc used to emphasize that you are very pleased, very sorry etc: The store is more than happy to deliver goods to your home. | "I suppose you will be working late again tonight?" "More than likely, yes."

10 be more than a little angry/sad etc used to emphasize how angry or sad you are: We're more than a little concerned about the state of his financial affairs.

11 more...than... used to emphasize that one thing is truer, more important etc than something else: Don't be too hard on him. He's more misled than stupid. | She's known more for her wild private life than her acting ability.

12 no more than

a) used to say that something is needed or suitable: It's no more than you deserve.

b) also little more than used to say that someone or something is less important than they seem: He's no more than a glorified accountant. | It was little more than a scratch.

13 (and) what's more used to add more information that emphasizes what you are saying: He enjoyed the meal and what's more he ate the lot!

14 no more...than... used to emphasize that something is not true, not suitable etc: He's no more fit to be a priest than I am!

15 no more can she/no more do I etc neither can she, neither do I etc: I don't have time to do the filing and no more do you!

16 (then) more fool you BrE used to say that you think someone is being stupid: If you want to get up so early in the morning then more fool you!

USAGE NOTE: MORE GRAMMAR More is used with an adjective instead of the -er form, not as well as it: This year's exam was harder for me (NOT more harder). It is also used when an adjective does not have an -er form: This year's exam was more difficult than last year's. 2 quanountifier comparative of many, much

1 used to say that a particular number or amount is larger than another: "Do you want more cake?" "Uh, maybe. I'll get it." | more people/things etc than...: More cars are failing the emissions test than was anticipated. | She makes more phone calls in one day than anyone else I know. | more than 10/100 etc: More than 500 people had to be helped to safety when the stadium collapsed. | more than sth: In some places bottled water costs more than a glass of beer. | It is possible to earn $100 a day, some days more. | I'd ask Veronica - she knows far more about it.

(+ of): We sell more of these maps because they're so colourful. | much/far/a lot more: Recent anti-smoking campaigns have driven a lot more smokers to give up. —opposite less 1 or fewer

2 used when you mean another number or amount in addition to what you have, expect, or have mentioned: You'll have to pay more for a double room. | A free trip to Jamaica? Tell me more! | 2/10 etc more: That was Jim on the phone. He needs two more tickets for the play. | some/any/a few etc more: We have some wonderful people volunteering to help out but many more are needed. | more people/things etc: I think I'd need to know some more facts before I could agree to the trip. | I'm sorry sir, your meal will be five minutes more, I'm afraid.

(+ of): Can I have some more of that apple pie please? | You've had a week to do it. How much more time do you need? —opposite less 1

3 more and more an increasing number of something: More and more people are taking early retirement these days.

—opposite less and less less 1 (2)

4 more or less

a) almost: By the time of the dress rehearsal she knew her lines more or less by heart.

b) approximately: We're expecting delegates at the conference, more or less.

5 not/no more than used to say that a price, distance etc is only a particular number or amount: It's a beautiful cottage not more than five minutes from the nearest beach.

6 the more...,/ the more..., the less used to say that when you do something or something happens, a particular situation will be the result of it: It's simple. The more preparation you do now, the less nervous you'll be before the exam.

—see also: more's the pity pity 1 (5)