First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1most
adjective \ˈmōst\
: almost all : the majority of
: greatest in amount or degree
Full Definition of MOST
1
: greatest in quantity, extent, or degree <the most ability>
2
: the majority of <most people>
See most defined for English-language learners
See most defined for kids
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Origin of MOST
Middle English, from Old English mǣst; akin to Old High German meist most, Old English māra more — more at more
Related to MOST
2most
adverb
Definition 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
noun
Definition 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>
See most defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MOST
12th century
4most
pronoun, singular or plural in construction
Definition of MOST
: the greatest number or part <most become discouraged and quit>
First Known Use of MOST
13th century
5most
adverb
Definition 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 1538
AT THE MOST Defined for Kids
1most
adjective \ˈmōst\
Definition of MOST for Kids
1
: the majority of : almost all <Most people believe this.>
2
: greatest in amount or extent <The youngest of the group had the most courage.>
2most
adverb
Definition of MOST for Kids
1
: to the greatest or highest level or extent Hint:Most is often used with an adjective or adverb to form the superlative. <most active> <most actively>
2
: 1very 1 <He is a most careful driver.>
3most
noun
Definition of MOST for Kids
: the greatest amount, number, or part <The most I can give you is five dollars.>
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