What is almost? How to use in English

The word "almost" originated in Old English as "ælmest" or "wilmoest", which meant "little missing" or "not quite". It was derived from "æl", meaning "little" or "small", and "mest", meaning "missing" or "lacking". By the 13th century, the spelling had changed to "almest" and eventually evolved into the modern spelling "almost". In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), "almost" still carried the connotation of something being very close to happening, but not quite. Over time, its meaning expanded to include expressions of qualification, caution, or reservation. For example, "almost all" instead of "all", or "almost exactly" instead of "exactly". Today, "almost" is used to convey a sense of proximity or nearness to a state, event, or quantity, often with a hint of regret or disappointment for what's just out of reach.