Most vs. Must

Most vs. Must — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Most and Must

Mostdeterminer

.

The teams competed to see who could collect the most money.

Mustverb

To do with certainty; indicates that the speaker is certain that the subject will have executed the predicate.

If it has rained all day, it must be very wet outside.You picked one of two, and it wasn't the first: it must have been the second.

Mostdeterminer

: the comparatively largest number of (construed with the definite article)

The team with the most points wins.

Mustverb

To do as a requirement; indicates that the sentence subject is required as an imperative or directive to execute the sentence predicate, with failure to do so resulting in a negative consequence.

You must arrive in class on time. — the requirement is an imperativeThis door handle must be rotated fully. — the requirement is a directiveArise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (Bible, Acts 9:6)

Mostdeterminer

: the majority of; more than half of (construed without the definite article)

Most bakers and dairy farmers have to get up early.Winning was not important for most participants.

Mustverb

said about something that is very likely, probable, or certain to be true

The children must be asleep by now.
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Mostadverb

Forms the superlative of many adjectives.

This is the most important example.Correctness is most important.

Mustverb

(transitive) To make musty.

Mostadverb

To a great extent or degree; highly; very.

This is a most unusual specimen.

Mustverb

(intransitive) To become musty.

Mostadverb

Almost.

Mustnoun

Something that is mandatory or required.

If you'll be out all day, a map is a must.
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Mostpronoun

The greater part of a group, especially a group of people.

Most want the best for their children.The peach was juicier and more flavourful than most.

Mustnoun

The property of being stale or musty.

Mostnoun

(uncountable) The greatest amount.

The most I can offer for the house is $150,000.

Mustnoun

Something that exhibits the property of being stale or musty.

Mostnoun

The greater part.

Most of the penguins were friendly and curious.Most of the rice was spoiled.

Mustnoun

Fruit juice that will ferment or has fermented, usually grapes.

Mostnoun

(countable) A record-setting amount.

Mustnoun

A time during which male elephants exhibit increased levels of sexual activity and aggressiveness also spelled musth.

Mostadjective

(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 eggsmost fishes have fins

Mustnoun

An elephant in this sexual and aggressive state.

Mostadjective

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 couldwhat attracts the most attention?made the most of a bad deal

Mustnoun

a necessary or essential thing;

seat belts are an absolute must

Mostadverb

used to form the superlative;

the king cobra is the most dangerous snake

Mustnoun

grape juice before or during fermentation

Mostadverb

very;

a most welcome relief

Mustnoun

the quality of smelling or tasting old or stale or mouldy

Mostadverb

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; `near' is sometimes used informally for `nearly' and `most' is sometimes used informally for `almost';

the job is (just) about donethe baby was almost asleep when the alarm soundedwe're almost finishedthe car all but ran her downhe nearly faintedtalked for nigh onto 2 hoursthe recording is well-nigh perfectvirtually all the parties signed the contractI was near exhausted by the runmost everyone agrees

Mustadjective

highly recommended;

a book that is must reading