adj., n., & adv.
--adj.
1. existing in the greatest quantity or degree (you have made most mistakes; see who can make the most noise).
2 the majority of; nearly all of (most people think so).
--n.
1. the greatest quantity or number (this is the most I can do).
2 (the most) sl. the best of all.
3 the majority (most of them are missing).
--adv.
1. in the highest degree (this is most interesting; what most annoys me).
2 forming the superlative of adjectives and adverbs, esp. those of more than one syllable (most certain; most easily).
3 US colloq. almost.
Phrases and idioms:
at most no more or better than (this is at most a makeshift). at the most
1. as the greatest amount.
2 not more than.
for the most part
1. as regards the greater part.
2 usually.
make the most of
1. employ to the best advantage.
2 represent at its best or worst. Most Honourable a title given to marquises and to members of the Privy Council and the Order of the Bath. Most Reverend a title given to archbishops and to Roman Catholic bishops.
Etymology: OE mast f. Gmc