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

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- at (the) most

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.