most

most
[[t]moʊst[/t]]
adj. superl. of much or many with more as compar.
1) in the greatest number, amount, or degree:
the most votes; the most talent[/ex]
2) in the majority of instances:
Most operations are successful[/ex]
3) the greatest quantity, amount, or degree:
The most I can hope for is a passing grade[/ex]
4) the greatest number or greater part of what is specified:
Most of his writing is rubbish[/ex]
5) the greatest number:
The most this room will seat is 150[/ex]
6) the majority of persons:
to be happier than most[/ex]
7) sts the most, Slang. the ultimate in something
superl. of much with more as compar.
8) in or to the greatest extent or degree (often used before adjectives and adverbs, and regularly before those of more than two syllables, to form superlative phrases having the same force and effect as the superlative degree formed by the termination -est):
most rapid; most wisely[/ex]
9) very:
most puzzling[/ex]
10) inf Informal. almost or nearly
Etymology: bef. 900; ME most(e), OE māst; c. OFrismāst, OSmēst, OHG, G meist, ONmestr, Go maists. Cf. more usage: The adverb most as a shortened form of almost goes back to 16th-century England, and in that country it is now principally dialectal. In American English most occurs before such pronouns as all, anyone, and everyone; the adjectives all, any, and every; and adverbs like anywhere and everywhere: Most everyone here is related. The use is often objected to, but it is common in informal speech and writing.

From formal English to slang. 2014.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР
Synonyms:

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Most — (m[=o]st), a., superl. of {More}. [OE. most, mast, mest, AS. m[=ae]st; akin to D. meest, OS. m[=e]st, G. meist, Icel. mestr, Goth. maists; a superl. corresponding to E. more. [root]103. See {More}, a.] 1. Consisting of the greatest number or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Most — Most, adv. [AS. m[=ae]st. See {Most}, a.] In the greatest or highest degree. [1913 Webster] Those nearest to this king, and most his favorites, were courtiers and prelates. Milton. [1913 Webster] Note: Placed before an adjective or adverb, most… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Most — For other uses, see Most (disambiguation). Coordinates: 50°30′11″N 13°38′12″E / 50.50306°N 13.63667°E / 50.50306; 13.63667 …   Wikipedia

  • MOST — The acronym MOST has several meanings:* Management of Social Transformations, the main UNESCO social sciences research programme * Maynard Operation Sequence Technique, a work measurement system * Media Oriented Systems Transport, an electronic… …   Wikipedia

  • most — I. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English mǣst; akin to Old High German meist most, Old English māra more more at more Date: before 12th century 1. greatest in quantity, extent, or degree < the most ability > 2. the majority of …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • most — See: AT MOST, MAKE THE MOST OF …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • most — See: AT MOST, MAKE THE MOST OF …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • Most — More More, a., compar. [Positive wanting; superl. {Most} (m[=o]st).] [OE. more, mare, and (orig. neut. and adv.) mo, ma, AS. m[=a]ra, and (as neut. and adv.) m[=a]; akin to D. meer, OS. m[=e]r, G. mehr, OHG. m[=e]ro, m[=e]r, Icel. meiri, meirr,… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • -most — adjective suffix Etymology: Middle English, alteration of mest (as in formest foremost) most < innermost > ; most toward < headmost > …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • Most — Much Much (m[u^]ch), a. [Compar. & superl. wanting, but supplied by {More} (m[=o]r), and {Most} (m[=o]st), from another root.] [OE. moche, muche, miche, prob. the same as mochel, muchel, michel, mikel, fr. AS. micel, mycel; cf. Gr. me gas, fem.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Most Wanted (Hilary Duff album) — Most Wanted …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”