meist-
Meaning and Usage
"Meist-" is a prefix in German that means "most" or "mostly." It is often used to form adverbs or adjectives to indicate something that happens most of the time or is mostly of a certain quality.
Linguistic Analysis
The prefix "meist-" comes from the Middle High German word "meist," which ultimately originates from the Old High German word "meist," meaning "most."
Comparisons between German and English
The prefix "meist-" is similar to the English prefix "most-," which is used in a similar way to indicate the superlative or most frequent occurrence of something.
Cultural Context
The use of "meist-" in German is integral to expressing the frequency or predominant quality of something in conversations, formal or informal writings, and literature.
Example Sentences
- Die meistbesuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten in der Stadt sind immer überfüllt. (The most visited attractions in the city are always overcrowded.)
- Ihre Meinung ist meistens richtig. (Her opinion is mostly right.)
Memory Tips
Associate "meist-" with the English word "most" to remember its meaning of indicating the superlative or the most frequent occurrence of something.
Additional Vocabulary
- meistens: mostly, most of the time
- meistgenutzte: most used
- Hauptmeister: chief master
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
As a prefix, "meist-" does not have a gender or plural form.
Conjugation (for verbs)
N/A