The phrase "most all" is commonly used in informal English to mean "almost all". The spelling of this phrase may seem confusing as it contains two similar sounding words in succession. However, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription system helps to clarify it. The pronunciation of "most all" is /məʊst ɔːl/, with the stress on the first syllable of "most" and the second syllable of "all". This spelling can be easily remembered by recognizing that "most" starts with the letter "m" while "all" starts with the letter "a".
Most all is a colloquial phrase that combines two modifiers, "most" and "all," to emphasize the majority or nearly complete inclusivity of a particular group or quantity. It is an informal expression commonly used in everyday speech, often in American English.
The term "most" signifies a larger portion or majority, suggesting that more than half, but not necessarily all, of something is being referred to. On the other hand, "all" implies the entirety or complete totality of a given entity or set. By combining these two modifiers in "most all," the phrase emphasizes the overwhelming majority, near totality, or almost complete inclusivity of a group or quantity.
Due to its colloquial nature, the phrase "most all" is typically found in informal contexts, such as casual conversations, storytelling, or informal writing. It is often used to add emphasis or intensity to statements, highlighting the significant presence or comprehensive scope of a subject. For instance, one might say, "Most all of the attendees at the event were wearing traditional attire," to highlight a large, although not quite unanimous, percentage of individuals wearing traditional clothing.
In summary, "most all" is an informal phrase that emphasizes the substantial majority or near totality of a group or quantity, combining the modifiers "most" and "all" to accentuate inclusion, presence, or scope.
The phrase "most all" is actually a combination of two distinct words: "most" and "all". Here is the etymology of both words:
1. Most:
- Old English: "mǣst" - meaning "greatest" or "most"
- Proto-Germanic: *maistaz
- Proto-Indo-European: *méh₁ǝstos
- The root word ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European word *me- meaning "big" or "great".
2. All:
- Old English: "eall" - meaning "all, every, entire"
- Proto-Germanic: *allaz
- Proto-Indo-European: *h₂el-" meaning "be in front, protrude".
- The root word signifies "everything" or "the whole".