without so much as
without so much as は英検準1級・TOEIC 600レベルの英単語で、「さえしない」という意味があります。発音記号は /wɪˈðaʊt soʊ mʌtʃ æz/ です。
さえしない
解説 Definition
〜すらしないでという意味で、期待された最低限の行動さえ取らないことへの驚きや非難を強調する表現。常に何かをしなかったことを際立たせる文脈で使われる。
Without so much as is used to show that someone did not even do a small expected action. It often expresses surprise, disappointment, or criticism. The phrase is usually followed by a noun or -ing form, such as a word of thanks or a glance.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
まず `without` は「〜なしで」、`so much as` は「それほどのことさえ」と切って覚えると、全体で「それほどの最低限のことさえせずに」とつながる。単なる `without -ing` より強く、「普通そこはやるだろう」という期待を裏切った感じが出るのが核。`without so much as saying goodbye`、`without so much as a glance`、`without so much as an apology` のように、あいさつ・一言・視線など“最低限の礼儀や反応”と結びつけると定着しやすい。似た意味の `without even` より、驚きや非難がやや強い表現。
Break it into `without` and `so much as`, meaning not even that small thing. The whole phrase adds surprise or criticism: someone did not do even the minimum. It is easy to remember with common chunks like `without so much as saying goodbye`.
例文
He left the meeting without so much as saying goodbye to anyone.
彼は誰にもさよならを言わずに会議を立ち去った。
They accepted the plan without so much as a question about the budget.
彼らは予算についての質問さえせずにその計画を受け入れた。
without so much as の語源・成り立ち Etymology
withoutは古英語wiþūtan（外に）、so much asは「～ほどさえも」を表す強調表現。直訳は「～することすらなしに」。soはラテン語sīc経由の古英語swā（そのように）に由来。even（さえ）に近い強調で、相手の無礼さや驚きを際立たせる表現。
Without comes from Old English withutan, meaning something like "outside" or "on the outside of." So much as became a fixed expression for "even as much as this," used for strong emphasis. Together, without so much as grew into a phrase meaning not even doing the smallest expected thing.
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