more or less — approximately; roughly; to some extent but not completely
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: approximately; roughly; to some extent but not completely
Pronunciation (IPA): /mɔːr ɔːr les/
Example Sentences
- My boss is more or less satisfied with my excuse for being late.
- The weather forecast is more or less accurate these days.
- I more or less understand quantum physics, which means I don't understand it at all.
more or less
ADVERB[/mɔːr ɔːr les/]
approximately; roughly; to some extent but not completely
The painter said the mural was more or less finished, just a few touches left.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This is an idiomatic phrase combining two opposite concepts in English. 'More' derives from Old English 'mara' (greater in quantity), while 'less' comes from Old English 'laes' (smaller in quantity). The phrase emerged as a euphemistic expression to indicate approximation rather than exact measurement.
Breakdown
more (greater quantity) + or (either/or conjunction) + less (smaller quantity) = approximately, roughly, or thereabouts. The opposing terms create a deliberate ambiguity suggesting an inexact middle ground.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss is more or less satisfied with my excuse for being late.”
“The weather forecast is more or less accurate these days.”
“I more or less understand quantum physics, which means I don't understand it at all.”
“The meeting went more or less as planned.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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