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. at least
   1. if nothing else

      you should at least try

   2. at the least
3. at the least or at least
   at the minimum

   at the least you should earn a hundred pounds

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

   I don't mind in the least

adverb

1. the least
   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

Rife’s final Stay Golden stop, at least for now, will be a New Year’s Eve show at Boston’s TD Garden.

From Los Angeles Times

Or at least the portion of his story that’s already happened.

From Los Angeles Times

Well, when we can see them, at least.

From Salon

As the longtime CEO of the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, Lutnick is at least experienced at running a large organization so that appointment makes some sense.

From Salon

At least 36 people have been killed and 50 others injured in Israeli air strikes on residential buildings and an industrial area in the central Syrian town of Palmyra, Syrian state media report.

From BBC