What does mor mean?
“Mor” is a chiefly Scottish and archaic English form of “more.” As an adjective, it indicates a greater quantity or degree; as an adverb, it means “to a greater extent” or “in addition.” Expressions such as “no mor” correspond to standard English “no more.” The word belongs to a northern British and older English vocabulary rather than the standard language of contemporary Britain or the United States. It can retain a vivid regional character in modern writing, especially Scottish fiction, poetry, and historical dialogue, although “mair” is now more common in everyday Scots. “Mor” is not normally used productively to form further comparatives, and a writer seeking clarity outside a deliberately dialectal context will usually be better served by “more.” Its interest lies in preserving a traditional form associated with Scotland’s Scots-language heritage and with the older development of English comparison words.
Greater in quantity, amount, or degree.
"There is no mor room in the hall."
Chiefly Scottish and archaic or dialectal English; “more” is standard in most modern usage.
To a greater extent or in an additional amount.
"Speak slowly, and no mor than is necessary."
Chiefly Scottish and archaic or dialectal English; often recognizable in the fixed phrase “no mor.”
Though “mair” is now the most familiar Scots equivalent of “more,” its close relative “mor” preserves a distinctly older sound of the language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mor
The word descends from Old English māra, the comparative adjective and adverb meaning “greater” or “more,” with an adverbial form in māra. It continued in Middle English and survives in Scots and some other northern English dialects in forms including “mor” and “mair.” Its Germanic history is related to forms found in languages such as Old Norse, while the larger comparison-word family ultimately reflects an Indo-European pattern underlying words such as Latin major.
How mor is actually used
Outside Scottish and archaic or dialectal English, “mor” will usually sound deliberately literary or regional. Modern Scots speakers more often use “mair,” although “mor” remains recognized.
Easily confused with mor
“More” is the standard modern English word, whereas “mor” is chiefly a Scottish or archaic dialect form.