Showing results for "least"

• superlative of little.

least

American  

[leest] / list /

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.

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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.

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.

least British  

/ 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

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adverb

1. superlative of little

   they travel the least of all

adjective

1. of very little importance or rank

least More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing least

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

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Etymology

Origin of least

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

least

Over half of transgender youth have had suicidal thoughts in their lifetime and 31 percent have made at least one suicide attempt, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2026

Whatever happens next in Washington, many of the long-term trends that have combined to make corporations so profitable are likely to at least stop improving.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

At the beginning, we were none of us technological visionaries, but I at least had been online for a while, since even before the web itself existed.

From Slate ● Nov. 6, 2026

If you’re going to make a bet, I figure you should at least know the bet you’re taking.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 6, 2026

Now he wants us to go on a pretend date, which is ridiculous, and his calling it “practice” makes it perfectly, officially clear that he does not see me in the least bit romantically.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

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