1 at most | Definition of at most
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most

adjective
\ ˈmōst How to pronounce most (audio) \

Definition of most

 (Entry 1 of 6)

1 : greatest in quantity, extent, or degree the most ability
2 : the majority of most people

most

adverb (1)

Definition of most (Entry 2 of 6)

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

most

noun

Definition of most (Entry 3 of 6)

: 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

most

pronoun, singular or plural in construction

Definition of most (Entry 4 of 6)

: the greatest number or part most become discouraged and quit

most

adverb (2)

Definition of most (Entry 5 of 6)

: almost we'll be crossing the river most any time now— Hamilton Basso

-most

adjective suffix

Definition of -most (Entry 6 of 6)

: most innermost : most toward headmost
Synonyms & Antonyms Can most be used in place of almost?: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about most

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Synonyms & Antonyms for most

Synonyms: Adjective

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

Synonyms: Noun

max, maximum, outside

Antonyms: Adjective

least, minimal, minimum, slightest

Antonyms: Noun

least, minimum

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Can most be used in place of almost?: Usage Guide

Adverb (2)

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.

Examples of most in a Sentence

Adjective

 Choosing a color took the most time. That family owned the most land. Unfortunately the negative aspects of our schools get the most attention.

Noun

 this room will accommodate 50 people at the most
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First Known Use of most

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Pronoun, singular or plural in construction

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb (2)

circa 1538, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for most

Adjective, Adverb (1), Noun, and Pronoun, singular or plural in construction

Middle English, from Old English mǣst; akin to Old High German meist most, Old English māra more — more at more

Adverb (2)

by shortening

Adjective suffix

Middle English, alteration of -mest (as in formest foremost)

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More Definitions for most

most

adjective
How to pronounce -most (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of most

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: almost all : the majority of
: greatest in amount or degree

most

pronoun

English Language Learners Definition of most (Entry 2 of 3)

: the largest number of people or things
: the largest part of something

-most

adjective suffix

English Language Learners Definition of -most (Entry 3 of 3)

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