least

[leest]

adjective

1. smallest in size, amount, degree, etc.; slightest.

   He gave the least amount of money of anyone.

2. lowest in consideration, position, or importance.

noun

1. something that is least; the least amount, quantity, degree, etc.

2. South Midland U.S.,  the youngest in a family or group.

adverb

1. to the smallest extent, amount, or degree.

   That's the least important question of all. He talks least.

least

/ liːst /

determiner

1. 1. the superlative of little

      you have the least talent of anyone

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as sing )

      least isn't necessarily worst

2. 1. if nothing else

      you should at least try

   2. at the least

3. at the minimum

   at the least you should earn a hundred pounds

4. (usually used with a negative) in the slightest degree; at all

   I don't mind in the least

adverb

1. superlative of little

   they travel the least of all

adjective

1. of very little importance or rank

Word History and Origins

Origin of least¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English leest(e), Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa; less

Word History and Origins

Origin of least¹

Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa _less

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at least, Also at the least.

   1. at the lowest estimate or figure.

      The repairs will cost at least $100.

   2. at any rate; in any case.

      You didn't get a good grade, but at least you passed the course.

2. not in the least, not in the smallest degree; not at all.

   I am not in the least concerned about the outcome of the World Series.

More idioms and phrases containing least

• at least
• in the least
• last but not least
• to say the least

Example Sentences

Since then, astronomers have been studying the asteroid, estimating its size to be at least 30 metres wide.

Read more on Space Scoop

As part of the deal, the U.S. guaranteed the U.K. would get zero tariffs for its pharmaceutical exports to the U.S. for at least three years, the governments said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Conditions are forecast to heat up Friday through the weekend, with temperatures at least 3 to 6 degrees above normal, according to the Weather Service.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At least 12 people have died and around 50 are still missing after a landslide struck two boats docked at a river port in Peru's Amazon rainforest region, local media reports.

Read more on BBC

I think he has been out of school long enough and should have it paid down at least a little more.

Read more on MarketWatch