determiner / pronoun / adverb

most

The greatest amount or degree, or the majority.

Most students bring their own lunch to school each day.

Etymology

The inherited superlative belongs with much and more. It identifies the greatest amount, or in ordinary quantity statements the larger part of a whole.

More examples

  • Of the three plans, this one saves the most money.
  • We pick a few apples and leave most on the tree.
  • This is the most comfortable chair in the room.

Forms

mostly adverb — For the greater part; almost entirely.

Similar words

majority
Means more than half, without expressing the highest degree.
maximum
Specifies an upper limit, rather than simply a majority.