Word of the Day: Most
The word “most” is often used to form a superlative adjective. A superlative adjective shows that something is of the greatest degree or amount within a group that numbers more than three:
- My math class is more difficult than my history class. (comparative adjective: more difficult)
- Of all my classes, this math class is the most difficult. (superlative adjective: most difficult)
The word “most” is commonly used when describing facts and opinions:
- Whole Foods is the most expensive grocery store in this area.
- Getting married was the most difficult decision he ever made.
- This is the most comfortable couch in the store.
- The most beautiful flower in our garden is an Iris.
The word “most” is also used in front of a noun when describing an amount that is larger than other amounts:
- This tree produces the most apples.
- Most of the students prefer this book.
- We had the most fun at that party.
It’s helpful to use “most” when describing a situation that isn’t 100% certain or 100% true. If an amount is greater than 50% and less than 100%, the word “most” is a good choice.
- Most of the people in this city are in favor of adding bike lanes to the streets. (65%)
- Most of the houses in this neighborhood are over 100 years old. (58%)
- Most scientists believe that pollution has a negative effect on the environment. (98%)
In conversational English, you’ll hear people say “for the most part” and “at most.” These phrases are similar to the adverb “mostly.”
- For the most part, this has been a productive meeting.
- At most, this meeting has been productive.
- This meeting has been mostly productive.
In the sentences above, the meanings may vary slightly. It’s possible that some of the time used during the meeting was not productive or a waste of time, but a majority of the time spent was not wasted.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with M page to see the list of all words starting with letter M. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
