almost all

almost all

1. (mathematics) All, except for a negligible set, i.e. finite, countable or of measure zero.

   Alternative form: a.a.

   Antonym: almost no

   Rational numbers are a countable set, so almost all numbers are irrational.

2. In non-mathematical use, see almost, all.

   We've eaten almost all of the cake.

   • 1972, Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren, How to Read a Book, Simon & Schuster, →ISBN, →LCCN, page 17:

     The attainment of the skills of elementary reading occurred some time ago for almost all who read this book. Nevertheless, we continue to experience the problems of this level of reading, no matter how capable we may be as readers.

• almost everywhere, almost nowhere
• almost certain, almost sure

• Thesaurus:quantifier