Meaning of Word
The phrase “at most” is used to indicate the greatest amount, number, or extent of something that is possible or permissible.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Maximum Limit: “At most” refers to the upper limit or maximum that can be expected or allowed.
- Indicating the Highest Possible: It suggests that the quantity or degree in question is the greatest possible under certain conditions.
History and Origin
The phrase “at most” has been in use since at least the 17th century. It comes from the combination of “at” (meaning “in the case of” or “within”) and “most” (the superlative form of “many” or “much”), used to specify the upper limit of something.
Detailed Explanation
The phrase “at most” is typically used to emphasize the maximum quantity, number, or extent of something. It is often employed in scenarios where there is a range of possible amounts, and “at most” sets the highest boundary of that range.
For example:
- If someone says “I can wait for 10 minutes at most,” they mean they cannot wait longer than 10 minutes, and 10 minutes is the maximum they are willing to wait.
- In situations like pricing or quantity estimation, “at most” helps clarify that no more than a specific amount is expected or allowable.
Example Sentences
- The meeting will last for 30 minutes at most.
- You can invite 10 people at most to the party.
- The task will take an hour at most.
- She has at most $50 to spend on a gift.
- At most, we can only offer a 20% discount.
- The train will arrive at 5:00 p.m. at most.
- There are at most three seats available for the event.
- The book costs $15 at most, but not more.
- At most, it will take a week to complete the project.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Maximum: The greatest possible amount or number of something.
- At best: Used to suggest the best or most favorable situation, similar to “at most” when referring to limits.
- Not more than: A phrase with a similar meaning, indicating that a number or amount will not exceed a specified limit.
- Up to: Indicates a limit or boundary, similar to “at most.”
- No more than: A phrase used to emphasize that a quantity or number will not surpass a certain level.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Limit: The boundary or maximum extent of something, often used in conjunction with “at most” to define upper bounds.
- Ceiling: A metaphorical or literal upper limit, used in contexts like prices, wages, or quantity.
- Threshold: The point or level at which something begins or ends, often implying a maximum or minimum boundary.
- Cap: A limit or maximum amount, commonly used in discussions of spending or budget.
- Boundary: A limit or edge that something cannot exceed, relating to “at most” when describing the farthest point something can reach.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- No more than: Similar to “at most,” it implies a maximum and not exceeding a certain amount.
- Up to: Used to describe a range where the upper limit is specified.
- Maximum limit: A direct reference to the highest amount or number, analogous to “at most.”
- At best: Often used to refer to the best possible outcome or amount, often similar to the idea of a maximum.
- Top: Refers to the highest point or level of something, akin to the “at most” concept.
Antonyms
- At least: The opposite of “at most,” referring to the minimum or smallest acceptable amount.
- Minimum: The lowest amount or number, the reverse of “maximum.”
- Below: Refers to being less than a certain level, unlike “at most,” which indicates the highest boundary.
- Less than: Indicates a smaller quantity or number, contrary to the idea of “at most,” which sets a maximum.
- Under: Refers to being beneath a certain limit, the opposite of exceeding it.
