"Most besides" is a phrase that can be used to express a sense of exclusion or exception. It refers to a majority or almost all of a group or category, except for a specific individual or a few remaining members. This phrase highlights an emphasis on the majority while acknowledging a notable exception.
In various contexts, "most besides" can be seen as a contraction of the phrase "most of them or it, besides (insert exception)." For example, in a sentence like "Most of the students, besides John, passed the exam," it implies that the majority of students (excluding John) were successful. Similarly, if someone were to say, "Most of the houses were painted blue, besides that yellow one," it indicates that a majority of houses were blue, except for the singular yellow one.
The phrase "most besides" can also be used to emphasize the prominence or significance of the exception itself. For instance, in a statement like "Most of the cakes were delicious, but that one chocolate cake was the most besides," it implies that the exception stands out as exceptional among the majority.
Overall, "most besides" serves as a linguistic tool to single out an individual or a specific instance that differs from the majority or general rule, underscoring its significance within the given context.
