most Meaning & Definition
What Does Most Mean?
Most is used as a determiner meaning superlative degree of much. It is also used to mean superlative degree of many: the comparatively largest number of (construed with the definite article). As an adverb, it means Forms the superlative of many adjectives. As an adjective, it means The greatest; the best.
Word Facts for Most
| Part of speech | determiner, adverb, adjective, pronoun, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈməʊst/ |
| Synonyms | virtually, near and about |
| Antonyms | least and to the lowest degree |
| Plural | mosts |
Most Definition (Determiner)
- superlative degree of much.
The teams competed to see who could collect (the) most money.
- superlative degree of many: the comparatively largest number of (construed with the definite article)
The team with the most points wins.
- superlative degree of many: the majority of; more than half of; more than 50% of (construed without the definite article)
Most bakers and dairy farmers have to get up early.
Most as an Adverb
- Forms the superlative of many adjectives.
This is the most important example.
- With a superlative adjective ending in -est.
the most tallest building in the world
- To a great extent or degree; highly; very.
This is a most unusual specimen.
- superlative degree of much
Most as an Adjective
- The greatest; the best.
- superlative degree of many
Most as a Pronoun
- The greater part of a group, especially a group of people.
Most want the best for their children.
Most as a Noun
- The greatest amount.
The most I can offer for the house is $150,000.
- The greater part.
Most of the penguins were friendly and curious.
- A record-setting amount.
Adverb
- Clipping of almost.
Adverb
- Superlative of many
- Superlative of much
Adverb
- Almost.
Synonyms of Most
Most synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Most
Most in a Sentence
The teams competed to see who could collect (the) most money.
I spent most time in Rome because most of Venice is flooded.
The team with the most points wins.
Most bakers and dairy farmers have to get up early.
Winning was not important for most participants.
There were 100 votes cast, and 51 were in favor. That means most of the votes were in favor.
This is the most important example.
Correctness is most important.
Much the most common verb in complex-intransitive clauses is be.
the most tallest building in the world
This is a most unusual specimen.
Most want the best for their children.
The peach was juicier and more flavourful than most.
The most I can offer for the house is $150,000.
Most of the penguins were friendly and curious.
Most of the rice was spoiled.
Word Forms & Grammar
most
most (not comparable)
most (usually uncountable, plural mosts)
Words That Rhyme With Most
Origin of Most
Origin 1: From Middle English most, moste, from Old English mǣst, māst, from Proto-Germanic *maistaz, *maist. Cognate with Scots mast, maist (“most”), Saterland Frisian maast (“most”), West Frisian meast (“most”), Dutch meest (“most”), German meist (“most”), Danish and Swedish mest (“most”), Icelandic mestur (“most”).
Origin 2: Clipping of almost.
Common Questions About Most
Is most a determiner or an adverb?
Most is mainly used as a determiner, but it can also be used as an adverb, an adjective, a pronoun and a noun.
What is another word for most?
Words with a similar meaning to most include virtually, near and about. See the full list of most synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of most?
Words opposite in meaning to most are least and to the lowest degree.
What is the plural of most?
The plural of most is mosts.