more or less

M

more or less (adverbial phrase)
/ˌmɔːr ər ˈlɛs/

Meanings

• Almost but not exactly; approximately.
• To some degree; partly, but not completely.
• Practically the same; with little difference.
• Used to express vagueness or lack of precision.

Synonyms: approximately; nearly; roughly; around; about; give or take.

Example Sentences

1. The project is more or less finished, though a few details still need attention. (almost but not exactly)
2. She was more or less happy with the outcome, even if it wasn’t perfect. (to some degree)
3. Their stories were more or less identical, with only minor differences. (practically the same)
4. We’ll meet at 7 p.m., more or less, depending on the traffic. (vague or approximate)

Variants

• more or less the same
• more or less accurate
• give or take
• roughly speaking

Origin and History

The phrase “more or less” emerged as a comparative expression in the English language during the early Middle Ages, rooted in the comparative forms of Old English adjectives denoting quantity and degree. Its etymological foundation traces back to Proto-Germanic elements, where “more” derives from forms signifying greater extent or amount, and “less” from those indicating diminution or scarcity. This juxtaposition created a balanced idiom that conveys approximation or qualification, reflecting a linguistic tradition of using opposites to express nuance.

Over time, the phrase evolved from literal references to measurable differences in quantity—such as in trade or land descriptions—into a broader adverbial tool for indicating vagueness or near-equivalence in statements.

Theoretical Perspectives on the Phrase’s Development

Scholars propose several theories regarding the conceptual underpinnings of “more or less,” primarily viewing it as a product of medieval rhetorical practices that favored balanced antitheses to achieve precision amid uncertainty.

One perspective emphasizes its mathematical connotation, akin to a rudimentary plus-or-minus notation, which allowed speakers to hedge estimates in practical contexts like surveying or accounting.

Another interpretation highlights its rhetorical role in oral traditions, where it served to soften assertions and invite agreement, aligning with the era’s emphasis on communal discourse.

A third theory posits influence from Latin constructions in ecclesiastical texts, where similar pairings underscored doctrinal ambiguities, though direct borrowing remains unproven.

These views collectively underscore the phrase’s adaptability, transforming from a functional qualifier into a staple of idiomatic expression.

Historical Evolution and Usage

Throughout its history, “more or less” has mirrored shifts in English societal and intellectual currents, gaining prominence in the transition from medieval to early modern periods. Initially appearing in prose and verse to qualify numerical claims, it proliferated in legal documents by the sixteenth century, where it mitigated disputes over exact measurements

By the seventeenth century, its use extended to philosophical and scientific writing, encapsulating the era’s growing tolerance for empirical imprecision amid emerging methodologies. In literature, it became a device for character introspection, as seen in dramatic dialogues that convey reluctance or irony. This evolution reflects broader linguistic trends toward informality and expressiveness, cementing the phrase’s enduring role in everyday and formal communication.

Country of Origin

The phrase originated in England, where it first crystallized within the Anglo-Saxon linguistic milieu before solidifying in Middle English texts. As an idiom native to the Germanic substrate of the language, it developed independently of continental influences, though Norman French elements may have refined its syntactic flexibility following the Conquest. No evidence supports emergence elsewhere, affirming England’s central role in its genesis during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

Earliest Printed Record

The earliest documented printed instance of “more or less” in its idiomatic sense appears in a thirteenth-century religious treatise, composed around 1225 by an anonymous cleric. Titled Ancrene Wisse, this work of devotional guidance for anchoresses employs the phrase to approximate spiritual states, stating:

“Þu schalt beo more oðer les ileset mid Godes grace” (translated as “Thou shalt be more or less relieved with God’s grace”).

This usage, preserved in manuscripts later disseminated via early printing, exemplifies the phrase’s early application to convey degrees of divine favor. No prior printed records exist, marking this as the foundational attestation in English literature.

Mathematics