PRETTY MUCH

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does pretty much mean? 

• PRETTY MUCH (adverb)
  The adverb PRETTY MUCH has 1 sense:

1. to some degree

  Familiarity information: PRETTY MUCH used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PRETTY MUCH (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

To some degree

Context example:

we were pretty much lost when we met the forest ranger

 Context examples 

As he held Ruth in his arms and soothed her, he took great consolation in the thought that the Colonel's lady and Judy O'Grady were pretty much alike under their skins.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

That's pretty much the same with growing a plant.

(New Brazilian fertilizer can boost productivity, Agência BRASIL)

I went in, and sat down; and stated my case to Mr. Jorkins pretty much as I had stated it to Mr. Spenlow.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

There is but such a quantity of merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of man; and of late it has been shifting about pretty much.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

But I have a notion, Miss Morland, you and I think pretty much alike upon most matters.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

This pretty much rules out the alien megastructure theory, as that could not explain the wavelength-dependent dimming, said Huan Meng, at the University of Arizona, Tucson, who is lead author of the new study published in The Astrophysical Journal.

(Mysterious Dimming of Tabby's Star May Be Caused by Dust, NASA)

He's very kind, though he does not look so, and he lets me do what I like, pretty much, only he's afraid I might be a bother to strangers, began Laurie, brightening more and more.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

The days passed pretty much as they had passed before, except—it was a great exception—that little Em'ly and I seldom wandered on the beach now.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

And though he exclaimed at the term, she found that it had been pretty much the case.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

He has not staggered the world yet, either; for it goes on (as well as I can make out) pretty much the same as if he had never joined it.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)