vast majority
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vast majority
Expresses that something refers to by far the largest part or almost all of a group. It is an intensification of 'meist' (most) or 'die meisten' (most people/things).
Die allermeisten Menschen wünschen sich ein friedliches Leben.
The vast majority of people wish for a peaceful life.
The word consists of 'aller-' and 'meist'. The prefix 'aller-' is used in German to intensify the superlative, e.g. 'der Allerbeste' (the very best), 'das Allerschönste' (the very most beautiful thing). 'Allermeist' is therefore a stronger form of 'meist' (most).
Das war der allerbeste Kuchen, den ich je gegessen habe.
That was the very best cake I have ever eaten.
When 'allermeist' (vast majority/very most) stands before a noun, it is declined like a normal adjective and gets an ending. Since it expresses a superlative, it is almost always used in the plural.
Die allermeisten Studierenden haben die Prüfung bestanden.
The vast majority of students passed the exam.
Common combinations are 'die allermeisten Menschen' (the vast majority of people), 'in den allermeisten Fällen' (in the vast majority of cases), and 'die allermeiste Zeit' (the vast majority of the time).
Die allermeiste Zeit verbringe ich im Büro.
I spend the vast majority of my time in the office.
mostly / most
'meist' and 'allermeist' both express that something applies to the larger part. 'meist' is neutral and simply means 'in most cases'. 'allermeist' is stronger: it means almost all or by far the largest part. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with a majority. The difference is the strength. For normal frequency, use 'meist'. 'allermeist' only fits when you want to strongly emphasize that very few exceptions remain.
Die allermeisten Schüler sind heute gut auf die Prüfung vorbereitet.
The vast majority of students are well prepared for the exam today.
Vor einer Reise packt Mia meist schon am Abend vorher.
Before a trip, Mia usually packs the evening before.