preposition
more than
mor THAN
More than (preposition) means Greater in number, amount or degree than a stated figure or thing. Example: “More than 200 people applied for the job.”
preposition
1
Greater in number, amount or degree than a stated figure or thing.
"More than 200 people applied for the job."
"It cost more than I expected."
adverb
1
Used before an adjective or adverb to mean 'very' or 'amply', with a suggestion that the standard is comfortably exceeded.
"You are more than welcome to stay the night."
"She was more than capable of running the department."
How to use more than
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAbove a certain amount, or 'very'.
When to use it
Neutral. In careful writing, 'more than' is preferred to 'over' before precise counts, though both are widely accepted.
Memory tip
After 'more than' with a plural noun, the verb is plural: 'more than fifty people were waiting'.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
more than enough
more than happy
more than ever
more than double
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_____ 200 people applied for the job.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
less than
fewer than
Related words
Rhymes for more than
See all rhymes for more than →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'more than' and 'over'?
With numbers they mean the same thing, and both are standard English. Some style guides prefer 'more than' for countable quantities and reserve 'over' for spatial relationships, but the supposed rule against 'over 200 people' has no real basis.
Should it be 'more than' or 'fewer than'?
They are opposites, not alternatives. 'More than' works for both countable and uncountable nouns, while its opposite splits: 'fewer than' for things you count, 'less than' for quantities you measure.
What is the meaning of more than?
"more than" (preposition) means greater in number, amount or degree than a stated figure or thing.
What is another word for more than?
Other words for "more than" include over, in excess of, above, amply, thoroughly, perfectly.
