most
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1most
adjective \ˈmōst\Definition of MOST
1
: greatest in quantity, extent, or degree <the most ability>
2
: the majority of <most people>
See Examples of MOST
- Choosing a color took the most time.
- That family owned the most land.
- Unfortunately the negative aspects of our schools get the most attention.
Origin of MOST
Middle English, from Old English mǣst; akin to Old High German meist most, Old English māra more — more at more
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to MOST
2most
adverbDefinition of MOST
1
: to the greatest or highest degree —often used with an adjective or adverb to form the superlative <the most challenging job he ever had>
2
: to a very great degree <was most persuasive>
First Known Use of MOST
before 12th century
3most
nounDefinition of MOST
: the greatest amount <it's the most I can do>
— at most or at the most
: as an extreme limit <took him an hour at most>
Examples of MOST
- <this room will accommodate 50 people at the most>
First Known Use of MOST
12th century
4most
pronoun, singular or plural in constructionDefinition of MOST
: the greatest number or part <most become discouraged and quit>
First Known Use of MOST
13th century
5most
adverbDefinition of MOST
: almost <we'll be crossing the river most any time now — Hamilton Basso>
Usage Discussion of MOST
Although considered by some to be unacceptable in all cases, most is often used to mean “almost” in both spoken and, to a lesser extent, written English to modify the adjectives all, every, and any; the pronouns all, everyone, everything, everybody, anyone, anything, and anybody; and the adverbs everywhere, anywhere, and always. Other uses of this sense of most are dialectal.
Origin of MOST
by shortening
First Known Use: circa 1584
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