most
most — 名詞
1. the largest possible quantity, level, or number of something within a particular
最大程度
特定範圍內最大的數量或程度
the largest possible quantity, level, or number of something within a particular situation
The most Madison could save for the trip was about three thousand dollars.
Madison 最多能為這趟旅行存到大約三千美元。
the most + subject + could + verb
Élise wanted to give her family the most she could manage.
Élise 想盡她所能給家人最多的東西。
This is the most I can offer for the used car.
這是我能為這輛二手車出的最高價。
The rescue team did the most they could under the bad weather conditions.
救援隊在惡劣的天氣下盡了最大的努力。
Vivek always tries to get the most out of every training session.
Vivek 總是設法從每次訓練中獲得最多的收穫。
- least
the smallest possible amount or degree
文法句型
the most + subject + can/could + verb
get the most out of + noun
do the most + subject + can
用法筆記
This sense of 'most' is always preceded by 'the' and cannot be used without a following clause or phrase that defines the scope.
常見錯誤
most — 形容詞
1. used before a noun to show that someone or something has more of a quality, amou
最多的
數量、程度或範圍最大的
used before a noun to show that someone or something has more of a quality, amount, or degree than any other person or thing in a group — for example, 'the most time', 'the most points', or 'the most effort'.
Sivan spent the most time on the project and finished it first.
Sivan 在專案上花了最多的時間,並且最先完成。
pattern: the most + uncountable noun (time)
The team with the most points after ten games wins the cup.
十場比賽後得分最多的隊伍營得獎盃。
pattern: the most + plural countable noun (points)
Vinícius put the most effort into his history essay this term.
Vinícius 這學期在歷史論文上投入了最多的心力。
Which vegetable needs the most water to grow well in a garden?
哪一種蔬菜在園園裡生長需要最多的水?
The runners who made the most progress received a special award.
進步最多的跑者獲得了一份特別的獎項。
- least
the smallest amount, degree, or number
文法句型
the most + [uncountable noun]
the most + [plural countable noun]
用法筆記
This sense always requires 'the' directly before 'most'. Without 'the', the meaning changes (see sense 2 below). The noun that follows can be uncountable (time, effort, water) or plural countable (points, mistakes, friends).
常見錯誤
2. used before a plural noun to say that nearly all of the people or things in a gr
大多數的
絕大部分的人或事物
used before a plural noun to say that nearly all of the people or things in a group share a particular quality or do a particular thing.
Most students in Hari's class passed the maths test easily.
Hari 班上的大多數學生都輕鬆通過了數學測驗。
pattern: most + plural countable noun (students)
Most shops in the old town close early on Sunday afternoons.
舊城區的大多數商店在星期日下午很早就關門。
Bilal agreed with most points in the report from the manager.
Bilal 同意經理報告中的大多數要點。
Most families in Adaeze's village grow rice and vegetables.
Adaeze 村庄裡的大多數家庭都種植稻米和蔬菜。
Most songs on that album were written by one person.
那張專輯中的大多數歌曲都是由同一人寫的。
- the majority of
more formal; often used in academic or official writing
- nearly all
emphasises that only a few are exceptions
- most of the
used before a noun with a determiner (most of the students)
- few
a small number of
- a minority of
less than half
文法句型
most + [plural countable noun]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1, this sense does NOT take 'the' before 'most'. The noun after 'most' must be plural and countable. For uncountable nouns, use 'most of the' instead.
常見錯誤
most — 形容詞字尾
1. used to form adjectives that describe the farthest or most extreme point in a pa
最(方位)
加在詞尾,表示「最…的」位置或程度
used to form adjectives that describe the farthest or most extreme point in a particular direction, location, or order.
The topmost shelf of the bookcase was too high for the children to reach.
書櫃最上層的架子太高,孩子們搆不到。
topmost: highest position in a vertical stack
Rania drove to the northernmost point of the island to see the old lighthouse.
Rania 開車到島嶼最北端去看那座古老的燈塔。
The surgeon handled the operation with utmost care and concentration.
外科醫生以最大的謹慎和專注進行手術。
Valentina recorded her innermost feelings in a private diary every evening.
Valentina 每天晚上把內心深處的感受寫在私人日記裡。
The rearmost seats on the bus were already taken by a group of students.
巴士最後面的座位已經被一群學生佔走了。
文法句型
[noun/adjective] + -most
用法筆記
The suffix '-most' attaches directly to location or direction nouns (north, south, top, bottom, rear, front, upper, lower, inner, outer, nether, mid) to form superlative adjectives. Some forms such as 'utmost' and 'foremost' have also developed figurative meanings beyond physical position.
常見錯誤
most — 副詞
1. placed before an adjective or adverb to say that someone or something has more o
最
形容詞或副詞的最高級標記
placed before an adjective or adverb to say that someone or something has more of a quality than any other member of a group.
Lien chose the most expensive dish on the menu.
Lien 點了菜單上最貴的一道菜。
the most + adjective
Of all the rooms in the house, this one feels the most comfortable.
這間房子裡所有的房間中,這間感覺最舒服。
The tour guide showed us the most interesting places in the old city.
導遊帶我們參觀了舊城區最有趣的地方。
Kemi answered the questions most quickly during the test.
Kemi 在考試中回答問題回答得最快。
That was the most beautiful sunset the children had ever seen.
那是孩子們見過最美麗的夕陽。
- least
the opposite end of the scale; 'least comfortable' means the lowest degree of comfort
文法句型
the most + adjective/adverb
用法筆記
Usually paired with 'the' before adjectives ('the most beautiful'), but 'the' can be dropped before adverbs when the comparison is clear ('who ran most quickly').
常見錯誤
2. used before an adjective or adverb that states a personal opinion or feeling, to
非常;極其
用於表示個人觀點的形容詞前,加強語氣
used before an adjective or adverb that states a personal opinion or feeling, to give the description a stronger or more polite tone.
Professor Adina gave a most interesting talk about ocean animals.
Adina 教授發表了一場關於海洋動物非常精彩的演講。
a most + adjective (formal intensifier)
It was most kind of Elena's grandmother to offer us a room.
Elena 的祖母願意讓我們借住一間房間,真是太體貼了。
The children found the magician's show most entertaining.
孩子們覺得魔術師的表演極其精彩。
Your presence at the ceremony would be most welcome.
您在典禮上的出席將非常受歡迎。
文法句型
a most + adjective + noun
most + adjective
用法筆記
Frequently used in polite expressions of thanks or appreciation ('most grateful', 'most obliged'). More common in formal written English than in casual speech.
常見錯誤
3. used in front of words like 'every', 'all', and 'any' to mean that something is
幾乎;差不多
置於every/all前,近乎全部
used in front of words like 'every', 'all', and 'any' to mean that something is close to being true for all the members of a group, but not quite for every single one.
Most every house on this street was built before 1960.
這條街上幾乎每一棟房子都是在 1960 年以前蓋的。
most every + noun
You will most likely find the keys in the kitchen drawer.
你差不多可以在廚房抽屜裡找到鑰匙。
most likely (fixed phrase)
Most everyone in the office agreed with the new schedule.
辦公室裡幾乎每個人都同意新的時間表。
Most anyone can learn to swim with enough practice.
幾乎任何人都可以透過足夠的練習學會游泳。
Most all of the guests had left before the rain started.
差不多所有客人在下雨之前就離開了。
文法句型
most + every/all/any
most + everyone/everybody/anyone
用法筆記
This sense is primarily used in informal American English. In formal writing or British English, 'almost' is preferred instead of 'most' before 'every', 'all', etc.
常見錯誤
most — 限定詞 / 代名詞
1. used before a noun to show that something has the largest number or amount compa
最大量
數量或程度上最大
used before a noun to show that something has the largest number or amount compared with other things in a group; also used as a pronoun with 'the' to refer to the person or thing that has the largest share.
Christopher scored the most points in the basketball game last night.
Christopher 在昨晚的籃球比賽中得了最多的分數。
the most + noun = greatest number of
Most of the apples in the basket were still fresh and tasty.
籃子裡大部分的蘋果都還很新鮮好吃。
most of + noun phrase
Tara was happy because she got the most gifts on her birthday.
Tara 很開心,因為她在生日那天收到最多的禮物。
When the team divided the prize money, Tendai received the most.
團隊分配獎金時,Tendai 拿到最多。
Among the three candidates, Rafael had the most experience in teaching.
三位候選人中,Rafael 的教學經驗最豐富。
- least
opposite meaning — the smallest in number or amount
文法句型
the most + noun
most of + noun phrase
verb + the most
用法筆記
When used as a determiner, 'most' pairs with a plural or uncountable noun (most people, most water). When used as a pronoun, it follows 'the' (she had the most). Use 'most of' only before a determiner (most of the students, most of my time) — not before a bare noun.
常見錯誤
2. used to show that something applies to a large majority of the people or things
大多數
超過半數,幾乎全部
used to show that something applies to a large majority of the people or things in a group, without stating the exact count.
Most children enjoy playing outside when the weather is warm.
大部分的孩子都喜歡在天氣溫暖時到戶外玩耍。
most + plural noun = the majority of
Lucía found that most of the books in the library were written in English.
Lucía 發現圖書館裡大部分的書都是用英文寫的。
most of + determiner + noun
In most cases, the doctor said the patient would recover within two weeks.
大多數情況下,醫生說病人會在兩週內康復。
Most people in the neighborhood agreed that the new park was a great idea.
社區裡大多數人都同意新建公園是個好主意。
Romi said that most of her friends prefer tea over coffee in the morning.
Romi 說她大部分的朋友早上喜歡喝茶勝過咖啡。
- the majority of
more formal; often used in academic or official contexts
- almost all
emphasizes near-completeness rather than just more than half
文法句型
most + noun
most of + determiner + noun
用法筆記
To express 'the majority of something,' use 'most of' when followed by a determiner (most of the time, most of my friends) and 'most' alone when followed by a bare plural noun (most people, most animals).
常見錯誤
3. used to show that a number or amount is the highest possible, and the real figur
最多;至多
不超過某個數量
used to show that a number or amount is the highest possible, and the real figure could be lower; no more than a particular amount.
The bus ride from the train station to the museum takes thirty minutes at most.
從火車站搭公車到博物館最多需要三十分鐘。
quantity + at most = no more than
The car repair should cost around two hundred dollars at most, the mechanic said.
技師說修車的費用最多大約兩百美元。
You can borrow three books at most from the school library during the summer break.
暑假期間你最多可以從學校圖書館借三本書。
Hyun said the whole job would take two or three days at most to finish.
Hyun 說整份工作最多需要兩三天就能完成。
- no more than
slightly more formal; can go before the number (no more than $50) instead of after it
- maximum
used as an adjective or noun rather than an adverbial phrase (a maximum of $50)
- at least
opposite meaning — the lowest possible amount, not the highest
文法句型
quantity + at most
用法筆記
The phrase 'at most' always acts as a single adverbial unit and typically appears at the end of a clause. The alternative spelling 'at the most' is also acceptable but less common in modern English.
常見錯誤
4. used to describe something that is generally or mostly true, although there may
通常;大多
大體上,一般情況下
used to describe something that is generally or mostly true, although there may be a few exceptions.
For the most part, the weather in Taiwan stays warm and humid throughout the year.
通常來說,台灣的天氣全年溫暖潮濕。
for the most part, + clause = generally
Tara found that for the most part, her new classmates were friendly and helpful.
Tara 發現她的新同學大多還算友善又樂於助人。
The film was entertaining for the most part, though the ending felt rushed.
這部電影大體上還算好看,只是結尾有點倉促。
For the most part, the students agreed that the homework was fair and reasonable.
大致上來說,學生們都認為這份作業公平合理。
- mostly
simpler and more common in everyday speech; works as a single adverb
- generally
slightly more formal; often used in writing
- on the whole
similar meaning but emphasizes evaluating all aspects together
文法句型
for the most part, + clause
用法筆記
Cannot be shortened to 'for most part' — the definite article 'the' is a fixed part of this phrase. It functions like a sentence adverb, setting the overall context for the statement.
常見錯誤
5. to use or enjoy something as fully as possible, especially when the opportunity
充分利用
盡可能利用以獲得最大好處
to use or enjoy something as fully as possible, especially when the opportunity may not last long or when the situation is not ideal.
The family made the most of their last day at the beach before the storm.
全家人盡情享受暴風雨前在海灘的最後一天。
make the most of + noun phrase
Romi made the most of her summer break by learning to cook with her grandmother.
Romi 充分利用暑假,跟外婆學做菜。
Christopher made the most of the sunny weather by going hiking in the mountains.
Christopher 善加利用晴朗的天氣,到山上健行。
With few supplies, the teacher made the most of what she had for her students.
物資不多,老師仍充分利用僅有的東西來教導學生。
- take full advantage of
slightly more formal; emphasizes getting a benefit from the situation
- maximize
more technical; often used in business or academic contexts
- waste
opposite meaning — to not use something well or fully
文法句型
make the most of + noun phrase
常見錯誤
most — 限定詞
1. the largest quantity or number when compared with other people or things of the
最大數量
數量或程度上最大的
the largest quantity or number when compared with other people or things of the same kind — for example, saying that one person did a bigger share of the work than anyone else.
Most of the food at the party was eaten by the children.
派對上的食物大部分都被小孩吃掉了。
most of + [determiner] + noun
Liam did most of the work on the school science project.
Liam 做了自然科專題的大部分工作。
The most rain in the region falls during the winter months.
這個地區最多的降雨量出現在冬季。
Among all the players, Samir managed to score the most points.
在所有選手中,Samir 拿到了最多的分數。
Hao used most of the clay for his pottery class project.
Hao 把大部分陶土都用在陶藝課的作品上了。
- the greatest
more formal and less common as a determiner; often needs 'the'
- the bulk of
used for physical quantities; slightly more formal
- the least
the smallest amount or number
- a minority of
a small part of a group, opposite of 'the majority of'
文法句型
most + noun
most of + determiner + noun
用法筆記
When referring to a specific, known group, use 'most of the' + noun rather than 'most' + noun alone: 'Most of the students in my class passed' (not 'Most students in my class passed').
常見錯誤
2. placed before an adjective or adverb to show that a quality exists to the highes
最為;最
構成形容詞或副詞最高級
placed before an adjective or adverb to show that a quality exists to the highest degree when compared with other people or things — for example, calling one film the most exciting of the year.
Summer is the most popular time for outdoor weddings in Taiwan.
夏天是台灣舉辦戶外婚禮最受歡迎的季節。
the most + adjective + noun
Anong chose the most expensive dish on the restaurant menu.
Anong 點了菜單上最貴的一道菜。
This is the most exciting film that Bilal has seen this year.
這是 Bilal 今年看過最刺激的電影。
Of all the runners, Nia finished the race most quickly.
在所有跑者當中,Nia 最先跑完全程。
Sofia thinks that autumn is the most beautiful season of all.
Sofia 認為秋天是最美的季節。
- -est (suffix)
the suffix form used with short adjectives; same meaning as 'the most'
- least
the opposite of 'most' in superlative comparisons: 'the least expensive'
文法句型
the most + adjective + noun
verb + the most + adverb
the most + adjective (no noun)
用法筆記
For short adjectives (one syllable), add '-est' instead of 'most': 'tallest', not 'most tall'. Use 'most' with adjectives of two or more syllables: 'most beautiful', 'most expensive'.
常見錯誤
3. the great majority of people or things in a group; more than half but not all —
大部分
群體中的絕大多數
the great majority of people or things in a group; more than half but not all — for example, saying most people in a town came to watch a parade.
Most people in the town came out to watch the New Year parade.
鎮上大部分的人都出來看新年遊行。
most + noun (the majority)
Most children enjoy playing games outdoors with their friends.
大部分的小孩都喜歡在戶外和朋友一起玩遊戲。
Most doctors agree that regular exercise keeps the body healthy.
大部分醫生都同意規律運動對身體健康有益。
In most countries, children begin their education around age six.
在大部分國家,兒童大約六歲開始上學。
Most of the students in Anthony's class passed the math test.
Anthony 班上大部分的學生都通過了數學考試。
- the majority of
slightly more formal; used especially in written or academic contexts
- nearly all
emphasizes that only a small number are excluded
- few
a small number of; used with countable nouns
- a minority of
a small part of the group; formal
文法句型
most + plural noun
most + uncountable noun
most of + determiner + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (GREATEST AMOUNT): sense 1 compares quantities between things ('Samir scored the most points among players'), while sense 3 simply states that a large portion of a group shares a quality ('Most children like sweets').
常見錯誤
4. to a very high degree; used before an adjective to add strong emphasis — for exa
非常
置於形容詞前的強烈強調
to a very high degree; used before an adjective to add strong emphasis — for example, describing a gift as 'a most generous gift' to show it was extremely generous.
Emily received a most generous gift from her uncle.
Emily 從叔叔那裡收到了一份非常慷慨的禮物。
a most + adjective + noun (intensifier)
The hotel offered its guests a most comfortable stay.
這間飯店為客人提供了極為舒適的住宿體驗。
Sana gave a most convincing speech at the conference.
Sana 在會議上發表了一場非常有說服力的演講。
It was a most unusual sight to see snow near the beach.
在海灘附近看到雪,真是一件極不尋常的事。
Dr. Okafor made a most remarkable discovery in his research.
Okafor 博士在他的研究中有了非常驚人的發現。
文法句型
a + most + adjective + noun
the + most + adjective + noun (intensifier, not superlative)
用法筆記
This sense uses 'most' as a formal intensifier similar in meaning to 'very' or 'extremely'. It is different from the superlative sense (sense 2): here 'most' does NOT compare with other things — it simply adds emphasis. Common in formal written British English. Typically used with 'a' or 'an' before the adjective-noun pair.
常見錯誤
5. nearly; used before words like 'everyone', 'anyone', and 'all' to express that s
幾乎
用在 everyone 前,表「幾乎」
nearly; used before words like 'everyone', 'anyone', and 'all' to express that something is close to being complete or universal — for example, saying 'most everyone agreed' to mean almost every person agreed.
Most everyone in the village knew about the annual festival.
村子裡幾乎每個人都知道這個一年一度的節慶。
most everyone (almost everyone)
Asher visits his grandmother most every Sunday afternoon.
Asher 幾乎每個星期日下午都會去看祖母。
Most any child would be excited to receive such a gift.
幾乎任何小孩收到這樣的禮物都會很興奮。
The shop on the corner stays open most every day of the week.
轉角那家店幾乎每天都開門營業。
Bilal can fix most anything that breaks around the house.
家裡任何東西壞了,Bilal 幾乎都會修理。
文法句型
most + everyone / everybody
most + any + noun
most + every + noun
用法筆記
This is a colloquial use of 'most' to mean 'almost'. It is found mainly in informal American English speech and is rarely used in formal writing. Do not use this sense in academic essays or formal correspondence. The standard equivalent is 'almost'.
常見錯誤
6. used to show the highest possible amount, number, or level that can be reached —
至多
表示最大可能數量或上限
used to show the highest possible amount, number, or level that can be reached — for example, saying that a room can hold twenty people at most means twenty is the upper limit.
At most, twenty people can fit inside the small meeting room.
這間小會議室最多只能容納二十個人。
at most (maximum limit)
The most the team can hope for is a spot in the final game.
這支隊伍最多只能期望打進決賽。
Asher said he could stay for three days at the very most.
Asher 說他最多只能待三天。
You should pay no more than fifty dollars at the most.
你最多不應該花超過五十美元。
What is the most you would be willing to spend on a bike?
你最多願意花多少錢買一輛腳踏車?
- at most
the standard phrase form; interchangeable with 'at the most'
- maximum
more formal; 'a maximum of twenty people'
- no more than
emphasizes that the number cannot be exceeded
- at least
the opposite meaning — the minimum, not the maximum
文法句型
at most + number/noun phrase
at the most + number/noun phrase
the most + that-clause
用法筆記
Commonly appears in the fixed phrases 'at most' and 'at the most', which both mean 'not more than'. 'At the very most' adds emphasis. This sense is also used with a that-clause: 'the most (that) + clause' as in 'the most we can do is wait.'
常見錯誤
7. used in the fixed expression 'make the most of', which means to get as much bene
善加利用
把握時機充分利用某事物
used in the fixed expression 'make the most of', which means to get as much benefit or enjoyment as possible from something, especially while it is still available or before it ends.
Meera decided to make the most of her last day in Tokyo before flying home.
Meera 決定在飛回家前充分利用在東京的最後一天。
make the most of + time period
The young couple tried to make the most of the sunny days during their trip.
那對年輕情侶試圖在旅途中充分利用晴朗的好天氣。
Aaron wanted to make the most of his gym membership while he lived nearby.
Aaron 想要趁還住在那附近的時候,充分利用他的健身房會員資格。
Selim told the children to make the most of their summer break before school started.
Selim 告訴孩子們要在開學前好好利用暑假。
Zola and her team made the most of a small budget to finish the community project.
Zola 和她的團隊充分利用了微薄的預算來完成社區專案。
- take full advantage of
more literal; emphasises gaining a benefit or profit
- maximise
more formal; common in business or academic contexts
- savour
focuses on enjoyment rather than utility; more literary
- capitalise on
suggests turning a situation into an advantage; formal
文法句型
make the most of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Only appears in the fixed expression 'make the most of'. The object is typically a resource, opportunity, or period of time that may not be available for long. Distinguish from 'make the best of', which means to accept a difficult situation cheerfully rather than to maximise enjoyment.
常見錯誤
most — 代名詞
1. the largest share or number of a particular group or thing — for example, most o
絕大部分
某群體或事物中最大的部分
the largest share or number of a particular group or thing — for example, most of the students in a room, most of the cake on a plate, or most of what a person owns.
Most of the guests had already left by the time the couple arrived.
大部分客人在這對情侶到達時已經離開了。
most + of + noun phrase
Maeve spends most of her free time reading manga and watching documentaries.
Maeve 大部分空閒時間都在看漫畫和紀錄片。
most + of + possessive + noun
Most of us agreed with the proposed changes after a long discussion.
經過長時間討論後,我們大部分人都同意了提出的變更。
Trang ate most of the cake before anyone else had a chance.
Trang 在其他人來得及吃之前就吃掉了大部分蛋糕。
The survey found that most of the staff are happy with their working conditions.
調查發現大部分員工對自己的工作條件感到滿意。
- the majority
more formal; used in official or statistical contexts ('the majority of voters')
- the bulk
more informal; emphasizes physical quantity ('the bulk of the work')
- the greater part
slightly more formal; often used for abstract or uncountable things
文法句型
most + of + noun phrase (including determiner)
most + of + object pronoun (us, them, it)
用法筆記
Always followed by 'of' before a noun phrase that includes a determiner (the, my, these, those) or before an object pronoun (us, them, it). Before a bare plural noun without a determiner, use 'most' as a determiner instead: 'most people' not 'most of people'.
常見錯誤
most — 字尾
1. added to a small set of adjectives, nouns, and verbs to form adjectives that des
最(極點)
形容詞字尾,表示位置或方向的最極端處
added to a small set of adjectives, nouns, and verbs to form adjectives that describe the furthest point or extreme end in a particular direction, position, or layer — for example, the innermost room of a building, the uppermost shelf in a cabinet, or the foremost issue in a discussion.
When Élise opened the innermost door, she found a room full of old books.
當 Élise 打開最裡面的門時,她發現一間堆滿舊書的房間。
innermost — 'inner' + '-most' for extreme interior
The uppermost branches of the old oak tree swayed wildly in the wind.
那棵老橡樹最頂端的樹枝在風中劇烈搖晃。
uppermost — 'upper' + '-most' for highest point
Owen's foremost concern was finding a doctor who could speak his language.
Owen 最首要的顧慮是找到一位會說他母語的醫生。
The southernmost beach on the island can only be reached by hiking.
島上最南端的沙灘只能靠健行抵達。
Pull the lowermost drawer in the tall wooden cabinet.
把那個高木櫃最底層的抽屜拉開。
- nearest
describes the closest point; the opposite of 'farthest' expressed by -most suffixes
文法句型
[adjective/noun/verb] + -most → adjective describing the furthest point in a direction, position, or layer
用法筆記
Only a limited set of base words accept this suffix — mainly positional adjectives (inner, outer, upper, lower, top, nether, hind), direction nouns (north, south, east, west), and a few verbs (utter). You cannot attach -most to arbitrary adjectives.