(superlative of `many' used with count nouns and often preceded by `the') quantifier meaning the greatest in number
who has the most apples?
most people like eggs
most fishes have fins
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
made the most money he could
what attracts the most attention?
made the most of a bad deal
most adv.
used to form the superlative
the king cobra is the most dangerous snake
synonymous: to the highest degree
very
a most welcome relief
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished
the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded
we're almost finished
most everyone agrees
synonymous: about, just about, almost, all but, nearly, near, nigh, virtually, well-nigh