This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
least
[ leest ]
/ list /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
QUIZ
GOOSES. GEESES. I WANT THIS QUIZ ON PLURAL NOUNS!
Test how much you really know about regular and irregular plural nouns with this quiz.
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
Idioms about least
- at the lowest estimate or figure: The repairs will cost at least $100.
- at any rate; in any case: You didn't get a good grade, but at least you passed the course.
at 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 nearby least
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use least in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for least
least
/ (liːst) /
determiner
- the least the superlative of little you have the least talent of anyone
- (as pronoun; functioning as sing)least isn't necessarily worst
at least
- if nothing elseyou should at least try
- 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.