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MOST
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I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
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
Example:
made the most of a bad deal
Classified under:
Domain usage:
superlative (an exaggerated expression (usually of praise))
Antonym:
least (the superlative of 'little' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by 'the'; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree)
Sense 2
Meaning:
(superlative of 'many' used with count nouns and often preceded by 'the') quantifier meaning the greatest in number
Example:
most fishes have fins
Classified under:
Domain usage:
superlative (an exaggerated expression (usually of praise))
Antonym:
fewest ((superlative of 'few' used with count nouns and usually preceded by 'the') quantifier meaning the smallest in number)
II. (adverb)
Sense 1
Meaning:
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
Example:
most everyone agrees
Synonyms:
about; almost; most; near; nearly; nigh; virtually; well-nigh
Classified under:
Sense 2
Meaning:
Used to form the superlative
Example:
the king cobra is the most dangerous snake
Synonyms:
most; to the highest degree
Classified under:
Antonym:
least (used to form the superlative)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Very
Example:
a most welcome relief
Classified under:
Adverbs
Domain usage:
intensifier; intensive (a modifier that has little meaning except to intensify the meaning it modifies)
Context examples:
This is most often done by inserting thin needles through the skin, to cause a change in the physical functions of the body.
(Acupuncture, NIH: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
Most people have had the experience of wanting to minimize the hurt of the person they are rejecting.
(Sometimes You Shouldn't Say Sorry, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)
I really wouldn’t miss your case for the world. It is most refreshingly unusual.
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
'For six weeks, I allow Bath is pleasant enough; but beyond that, it is the most tiresome place in the world.'
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
During this period of rest he has refused the most princely offers to take up various cases, having determined that his retirement was a permanent one.
(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.
(Acne, NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
To Lady Russell, indeed, she was a most dear and highly valued god-daughter, favourite, and friend.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
And at the very moment of that vainglorious thought, a qualm came over me, a horrid nausea and the most deadly shuddering.
(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
A form of melanoma occurring most often on the plantar, palmar, subungual, and periungual skin.
(Acral Lentiginous Melanoma, NCI Thesaurus)
Most cases of acute bronchitis get better within several days.
(Acute Bronchitis, NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
