1.
considerably, to a great extent, very much
Indicates that something is to a much greater degree than expected or normal.
余程疲れていたらしい。
It seems they were considerably tired.
余程のことがない限り休まない。
I don't take time off unless something really serious happens.
あの人は余程自信があるのだろう。
That person must have a great deal of confidence.
2.
almost, nearly, on the verge of
Indicates that one nearly did something or was very close to a certain action or state.
余程断ろうかと思った。
I nearly turned it down.
余程帰ろうかと思ったが、最後まで残った。
I almost went home, but I stayed until the end.
あまりにも失礼で、余程怒ろうかと思ったが我慢した。
It was so rude that I nearly got angry, but I held back.
WRITING:
Also written as よほど or よっぽど (casual variant). The kanji 余程 is used in formal writing.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 余程のこと (something extraordinary)
- 余程のことがない限り (unless something extraordinary happens)
- 余程〜ようかと思った (nearly did ~)
VARIANT:
よっぽど is a more casual spoken form with the same meaning. よほど is slightly more formal.