Umso
Translation
all the more, even more, so much the
Examples
Je mehr du lernst, umso besser.
The more you learn, the better.
Das macht die Sache umso schwieriger.
That makes the matter all the more difficult.
Grammar Patterns
je + comparative ..., umso + comparative the more/less ..., the more/less ... The more you practice, the better you'll get.
Similar Words
Synonyms: desto; Antonyms: none
Etymology
Composed of 'um' (for, around) and 'so' (so, thus). Used to add emphasis to a comparative statement.
Memory Tips
Think of it as a pair with 'je'. 'Je' sets up the condition, and 'umso' delivers the intensified result. 'Je früher, umso besser' (The earlier, the better).