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¹most

adjective \ˈmōst\

: almost all : the majority of

: greatest in amount or degree

Full Definition of MOST

: greatest in quantity, extent, or degree <the most ability>

: the majority of <most people>

See most defined for English-language learners

See most defined for kids

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

Synonyms: consummate, last, max, maximum, ultimate, nth, outside, paramount, supreme, top, utmost, uttermost

Antonyms: least, minimal, minimum, slightest

Rhymes with MOST

boast, coast, ghost, host, oast, post, roast, toast

²most

adverb

Definition of MOST

: to the greatest or highest degree —often used with an adjective or adverb to form the superlative <the most challenging job he ever had>

: 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

Related to MOST

Synonyms: max, maximum, outside

Antonyms: least, minimum

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

MOST Defined for Kids

¹most

adjective \ˈmōst\

Definition of MOST for Kids

: the majority of : almost all <Most people believe this.>

: greatest in amount or extent <The youngest of the group had the most courage.>

²most

adverb

Definition of MOST for Kids

: 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>

: ¹very 1 <He is a most careful driver.>