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. 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.
[ OE mast f. Gmc ]