Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Greater in quantity, size, amount, extent, or degree: Used as a comparative quantifier, primarily with mass nouns, to indicate an amount or degree that exceeds a specified or implied standard.

Usage

• As a comparative quantifier: "More than" is used to modify nouns, particularly mass nouns, to indicate a quantity or degree that is greater than another. It often precedes a noun phrase or a numerical amount.
  • Example: "The project requires more than a week to complete."
  • Example: "She showed more than the usual amount of patience."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • We need more than hope; we need a concrete plan.
  • He has more than enough experience for the job.
  • The donation was more than a thousand dollars.

Advanced Usage

• "More than" as an adverbial phrase: While primarily an adjective, "more than" can function adverbially to modify adjectives or verbs, intensifying their meaning to a degree beyond the norm.
  • Example: "She was more than happy to help." (Meaning: She was very/extremely happy.)
  • Example: "This gesture more than compensates for the delay." (Meaning: It compensates to a degree that exceeds what is necessary.)

Variants and Related Words

• More (adj, adv): To a greater extent or degree; a greater or additional amount.
  • Example: "I want more time."
• Greater than (adj): An alternative comparative phrase, often used in mathematical or formal contexts.
  • Example: "A number greater than five."

Synonyms

• Over: Exceeding in number, amount, or degree.
  • Example: "A price over $100."
• Exceeding: Going beyond a limit or standard.
  • Example: "A speed exceeding the limit."

Related Phrases

• More than one: Indicates a plural quantity, greater than a single unit.
  • Example: "More than one person has agreed."
• More than enough: An amount that exceeds what is sufficient or required.
  • Example: "We have more than enough food for the party."

Idioms

• More than meets the eye: There is a greater complexity, significance, or substance than is immediately apparent.
  • Example: "This simple agreement has more than meets the eye."
• More than one can chew: To take on a task that is too big or difficult to handle (from the idiom "bite off more than one can chew").
  • Example: "He's afraid he's bitten off more than he can chew with this new project."

Adjective

1. (comparative of `much' used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
   • more land
   • more support
   • more rain fell
   • more than a gallon