Etymology: Middle English so muche (adverb phrase), from so (I) + muche, adverb, much
: by the amount indicated or suggested
if they lose their way, so much the better for us
Etymology: Middle English so muche (adjective phrase) such a quantity of, from so (I) + muche, adjective, much
1. : of an equal amount — often used as an intensive
the house burned like so much paper
2. : of an unspecified amount — often used as an intensive
the common notion of a classic or romantic literature is so much nonsense — Irving Kolodin
Etymology: Middle English so muche, from so muche (adjective phrase)
1. : something (as an amount or price) unspecified or undetermined
charge so much a mile
2. : that is all that can be or is to be said or done now
so much for the history of the case
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so much
1. Such-and-such an amount
2. In such a degree
3. To such an extent
4. Such an amount (of)
5. That amount of
6. An equal amount
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Main Entry: ↑so
* * *
so much
— used for emphasis
The house burned like so much paper. [=it burned as if it were made of paper]
The explanation sounded like so much nonsense. [=it sounded like a lot of nonsense]
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Main Entry: ↑much
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Main Entry: ↑much
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so much
You are charged so much a mile when renting a vehicle.
You can only believe so much of what he says. [=you can only believe some of what he says]
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Main Entry: ↑so
Useful english dictionary. 2012.