にも増して【にもまして】

にも増して (にもまして) is a formal expression meaning "even more than" or "more than ever." It is used to emphasize that something surpasses a previous level, expectation, or point of comparison. The expression derives from ます増す (to increase), and the て form here connects to the main clause, indicating that the degree or extent goes beyond what is referenced.

Comparing to a previous time or state

One of the most common uses is to express that something is more than before or more than ever, often paired with words like いぜん以前、きょねん去年、 or まえ前 to establish the baseline.

Comparing to something else

It can also compare one thing to another, expressing that something exceeds the comparison target in some quality.

Nuances and usage notes

• This is a literary and formal expression, commonly found in written Japanese, speeches, and formal contexts. It is rarely used in casual conversation.
• The phrase なんに何にもまして増して is a set expression meaning "more than anything else" and is especially common.
• にも増して is similar in meaning to いじょう以上に but carries a stronger sense of emphasis and is more literary in tone.
• Do not confuse this with にもまして written in hiragana – it is the same expression, just without kanji.