as much as

Also, however much, much as . Even though, no matter how much, as in As much as I hate to, I must stay home tonight , or However much it hurts, you ought to admit you were wrong , or Much as Karen would love to see us, she can't get out of her prior commitment . [Late 1500s]

The same quantity as. As with as many (def. 2), the meaning of much as a large amount here is qualified by what follows. For example, Please help yourself to as much of the meant as you want indicates whatever amount you wish. [Late 1100s]

Also, so much as . In effect, nearly the same as, as in Mom as much as told Jane she couldn't go , or The clerk so much as accused the customer of shoplifting . These expressions intensify the meaning of the verb and indicate that the action is unexpected. [Late 1300s]