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most definition

most (mōst)

adjective

  1. more
  2. greatest in amount, quantity, or degree
  3. greatest in number
  4. in the greatest number of instances most fame is fleeting

Etymology: ME < OE mast, used as superl. of micel, big (var. of mycel: see much): akin to Goth maists: for IE base see more

noun

  1. the greatest amount, quantity or degree to take most of the credit
    1. the greatest number (of persons or things) most of us are going
    2. the greatest number of persons or things

adverb

  1. more in or to the greatest degree or extent: used with many adjectives and adverbs (regularly with those of three or more syllables) to form the superlative degree most horrible, most quickly
  2. very (often preceded by a) a most beautiful morning

  3. Etymology: for almost

    Informal almost; nearly
most Idioms

at (the) most

at the very limit; not more than

make the most of

to make the greatest use of; take fullest advantage of

the most

Slang the best or most exciting, attractive, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms most idiom

most Synonyms

most

modif.

maximum, greatest, largest, utmost, nearly all, all but, well-nigh all, not quite all, close upon all, in the majority.

at the most

in toto, not more than, at the outside*.

make the most of

exploit, utilize, take advantage of; see use 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

most Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • time: Most of the time, most of us have reason to be weary.

Modifying Another Word

  • perhaps: Other species seen whilst searching include Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Andean Parakeet, Red-crested Cotinga and perhaps most surprisingly, Rusty-fronted Canastero.

Modifies a noun

  • case: Most cases of hole in the heart can be treated successfully with surgery.

Used with adjective complement

  • spend: In practice, I spent most of the time drinking Guinness and playing with the computer.

Preposition: in

  • need: East Ayrshire's community wardens and community police are heavily involved in identifying communities most in need of specific diversionary services.
most usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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"most." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/most>

APA Style

most. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/most

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