Definition of almost all
Short definition: The phrase almost all means nearly everyone or nearly everything in a group, showing that the number is very close to complete but not totally, and it is often used to give a clear yet realistic description.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrase almost all? The phrase almost all is used when something applies to nearly everything or everyone in a group, but not absolutely every single one. Phrase almost all is very common in explanations, descriptions, statistics, and everyday conversation. People use it to be accurate while still allowing for a small number of exceptions. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and precise.
Forms: almost all
Related: nearly all det., most det., the majority n.
Syllable: almost all
-
(Determiner phrase) Used to mean nearly every one or nearly everything in a group with only a few exceptions.
Almost all is used when something is true for the vast majority of people or things, but not literally every single one, allowing the speaker to be accurate and honest while still emphasizing how large the group is.
Almost all students passed the exam, with only a few struggling because they missed several classes earlier in the semester.She spent almost all her savings on the project, keeping only a small amount for emergencies.Almost all the houses on the street lost power during the storm, except for two near the main road.Synonyms: nearly all, most, the vast majority, almost everyone, almost everything, practically all, close to all, nearly everyone, nearly everything, overwhelmingly most, the great majority, almost entirely
Antonyms: few, hardly any, almost none, none, very few, a minority, some, several, not many, limited number, small amount, little