most
Noun pluralmosts (some meanings)
Pluralmosts (some meanings)
- 1Used before a longer adjective or adverb to mean 'the … -est', as in 'the most important' or 'most clearly'.
Think of it like the top step of a staircase.
This is the most important point.
She is the most careful driver I know.
UsageSay the most beautiful or the biggest (not
incorrect: the most biggest).Oppositeleast
- 2More than half of, as in 'most people': the top form of many.
Most people like music.
Most bakers get up early.
UsageSay most people or most of the people (not
incorrect: most of people). - 3The larger part of a group, used without a noun, as in 'most agree'.
We asked the whole class, and most said they wanted a longer lunch.
Some objected, but most were happy.
Oppositefew
- 4The greatest amount, as in 'the most money', or the larger part, as in 'most traffic': the top form of much.
Who collected the most money?
Most milk in the shop comes from farms nearby.
UsageSay most of the money (not
incorrect: most of money). - 5To the greatest degree, as in 'the thing I miss most' or 'the most-used tool': the top form of much.
Of all the tools, this one is used most.
What worries me most is the cost.
UsageUsually goes after the verb: I miss her most.
Note
- 6Very, in a formal style, as in 'a most unusual gift'.
Thank you, that is a most generous offer from your family.
You have been most kind.
Similarvery, extremely, truly, highly, exceedingly
Note
- 7
Less common meanings
- 8Used with the to mean a larger number than anyone or anything else has, even if not over half.
Maya got the most votes, so she is the new class president.
Which team scored the most goals this season?
UsageCompare the most votes (more than anyone else) with most of the votes (more than half).
Oppositefewest
- 9Almost, in casual American speech, as in 'most every day'.
He comes in most every day.
It could have been most any night.
UsageSay almost in careful writing.
Similaralmost, nearly, practically
Note
- 10A record amount, as a countable noun, usually 'mosts'.
The team's record book is full of firsts and mosts.
A sign at the city museum lists the town's firsts and mosts, like the oldest bridge and the tallest tower.
UsageYou may see mosts paired with firsts in lists of achievements.
Similarrecord
Note
- 11The greatest or the best, as in 'that's the most'.
That new record is the most!
PATTY:They announced this year's nominees for student council. And guess who's up for vice-president? Me! Isn't that the most to say the least?
1978, Jim Jacobs, Warren CaseyHere, the most means the greatest or the best thing.Note
Showing meanings only.
most is a form of much
much, adverb: By a lot, used to make a comparison stronger. Full entry
- Spelling
- much → most: irregular
Practice
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Origins
This word comes from Old English mǣst or māst. It is related to German meist and Dutch meest.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Most comes from Old English mǣst or māst. en.wiktionary.org
- Most is related to German meist and Dutch meest. en.wiktionary.org
This is a shortened form of the word "almost."
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
- Most, in its sense meaning almost, is a shortened form of almost. en.wiktionary.org