Meaning & Definition of Most in English

1. (superlative of `many' used with count nouns and often preceded by `the') quantifier meaning the greatest in number

• "Who has the most apples?"

• "Most people like eggs"

• "Most fishes have fins"

2. The superlative of `much' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by `the'

• A quantifier meaning the greatest in amount or extent or degree

• "Made the most money he could"

• "What attracts the most attention?"

• "Made the most of a bad deal"

1. Used to form the superlative

• "The king cobra is the most dangerous snake"

2. Very

• "A most welcome relief"

3. (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished

• All but

• "The job is (just) about done"

• "The baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded"

• "We're almost finished"

• "The car all but ran her down"

• "He nearly fainted"

• "Talked for nigh onto 2 hours"

• "The recording is well-nigh perfect"

• "Virtually all the parties signed the contract"

• "I was near exhausted by the run"

• "Most everyone agrees"