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

While work does appear to have stalled, at least temporarily, due to funding issues, the Plain of el-Raha - in view of St Catherine's Monastery - has already been transformed.

From BBC

In the case of some weapon types deployed in Ukraine, at least half of them are actually decoy imitations.

From BBC

More than 20 houses and 10 buses were destroyed in Darul Jamal, while at least 13 drivers and labourers, who had been working on reconstruction efforts in the town were killed, Reuters reported.

From BBC

Mitchell chose, publicly at least, to accentuate those after the match.

From BBC

“It was my least dangerous film,” Laxe counters, reminding me of his “Fire Will Come,” the 2019 arson thriller for which he cast actual firefighters.

From Los Angeles Times