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least

[ leest ]
/ list /
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See synonyms for: least / leasts on Thesaurus.com
adjective, a superlative of little, with less or lesser as comparative.
smallest in size, amount, degree, etc.; slightest: He gave the least amount of money of anyone.
lowest in consideration, position, or importance.
noun
something that is least; the least amount, quantity, degree, etc.
South Midland U.S. the youngest in a family or group.
adverb, superlative of little, with less as comparative.
to the smallest extent, amount, or degree: That's the least important question of all. He talks least.
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Idioms about least

    at 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.
    Also at the least.
    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.

Origin of least

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

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH least

least , lest, let's

Words nearby least

lease-purchase, lease rod, leash, leash law, leasing, least, least bittern, least common denominator, least common multiple, least concern, least flycatcher
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

Words related to least

bottom, first, gutter, infinitesimal, last, minimum, minute, nadir, second, third, atomic, entry-level, feeblest, fewest, finical, lowest, meanest, microcosmic, microscopic, minimal

How to use least in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for least

least
/ (liːst) /
determiner
  1. the least the superlative of little you have the least talent of anyone
  2. (as pronoun; functioning as sing)least isn't necessarily worst
at least
  1. if nothing elseyou should at least try
  2. at the least
at the least or at least at the minimumat the least you should earn a hundred pounds
in the least (usually used with a negative) in the slightest degree; at allI don't mind in the least
adverb
the least superlative of little they travel the least of all
adjective
of very little importance or rank

Word Origin for least

Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa less
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with least

least
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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