Pronunciations (3)
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/ˈməʊst/
Pronunciation notes
- Received-Pronunciation
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/ˈmoʊst/
Pronunciation notes
- General-American
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[ˈmoːst]
Pronunciation notes
- Canada
Adverb
Forms the superlative of many adjectives.
Usage- not-comparable
- Antonyms
- Examples
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This is the most important example.
Correctness is most important.
More examples (3)
Much the most common verb in complex-intransitive clauses is be.
With some of it on the south and more of it on the north of the great main thoroughfare that connects Aldgate and the East India Docks, St. Bede's at this period of its history was perhaps the poorest and most miserable parish in the East End of London.
“[…] the awfully hearty sort of Christmas cards that people do send to other people that they don't know at all well. You know. The kind that have mottoes[…]. And then, when you see [the senders], you probably find that they are the most melancholy old folk with malignant diseases. […]”
Forms the superlative of many adjectives. With a superlative adjective ending in -est.
Usage- not-comparable
- proscribed
- Examples
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the most tallest building in the world
To a great extent or degree; highly; very.
Usage- not-comparable
- Examples
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This is a most unusual specimen.
Most cruel edict! Sure, thy generous soul, Septimius, abhors the dreadful task of persecution.
More examples (3)
A noble craft, but somehow a most melancholy!
Now, I still think that for this box of matches to have escaped the wear of time for immemorial years was a most strange, as for me it was a most fortunate, thing.
“His song is most unpleasant,” said the King rubbing his head, “pray bid him cease,” and off went the secretary to argue with the wind.
Adjective
The greatest; the best.
Usage- Dated
- not-comparable
- Slang
- Examples
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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?
Pronoun
The greater part of a group, especially a group of people.
- Examples
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Most want the best for their children.
The peach was juicier and more flavourful than most.
Noun
The greatest amount.
Usage- Uncountable
- usually
- Examples
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The most I can offer for the house is $150,000.
The greater part.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- usually
- Examples
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Most of the penguins were friendly and curious.
Most of the rice was spoiled.
More examples (3)
At half-past nine on this Saturday evening the parlor of the Salutation Inn, High Holborn, contained most of its customary visitors.[…]In former days every tavern of repute kept such a room for the select circle—a club, or society, of habitués, who met every evening for a pipe and a cheerful glass.
The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen.[…]The second note, the high alarum, not so familiar and always important since it indicates the paramount sin in Man's private calendar, took most of them by surprise although they had been well prepared.
Most of the Himalayan rivers have been relatively untouched by dams near their sources. Now the two great Asian powers, India and China, are rushing to harness them as they cut through some of the world's deepest valleys.
A record-setting amount.
Usage- Countable
- usually
- Examples
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Along with their massive size will come other “mosts”: they will likely be the longest living, the best educated, the wealthiest and the most wired/ wireless.
More examples (1)
Virginia had a number of "mosts” that made it appealing, if not representative of all Confederate states: the most citizens among the Southern states; the most slaves; the most men under arms; the most famous Southern generals; the most fighting within its borders; the most divided by the war (what other Southern state lost a quarter of its territory and saw a new state created out of that former territory?); and the most damaged by the war.
The record of Elvis' achievement is truly remarkable; his list of “firsts” and “mosts” is probably without parallel in music and entertainment history.
Adjective
(superlative of ‘many’ used with count nouns and often preceded by ‘the’) quantifier meaning the greatest in number
- Antonyms
- Examples
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who has the most apples?
most people like eggs
More examples (1)
most fishes have fins
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
- Antonyms
- Examples
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made the most money he could
what attracts the most attention?
More examples (1)
made the most of a bad deal
Adverb
used to form the superlative, greatest in size or degree
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Examples
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the king cobra is the most dangerous snake
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
- Examples
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the job is (just) about done
the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded
More examples (8)
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
used to give emphasis
- Examples
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she was very gifted
he played very well
More examples (5)
a really enjoyable evening
I'm real sorry about it
a rattling good yarn
a most welcome relief
there is precious little time left