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least Definition

least (lēst)

adjective

  1. little
  2. smallest or slightest in size, degree, importance, etc. the least movement
  3. Biol. very small: used in names of species or varieties least flycatcher

Etymology: ME lest < OE læsest, læst, superl. of læssa, less

adverb

  1. little
  2. in the smallest degree

noun

the smallest in size, amount, importance, etc.

least Idioms

at (the) least

  1. at the very lowest figure or amount; with no less
  2. at any rate; in any event

not in the least

not at all

least Synonyms

least

modif.

  1. Smallest

    tiniest, minutest, infinitesimal, molecular, microcosmic, microscopic, atomic; see also minute 1.

  2. Least important

    slightest, most trivial, niggling, piddling, finical, next to nothing; see also trivial, unimportant.

  3. In the lowest degree

    minimal, at the nadir, most inferior, bottom; see lowest, minimum.

    Antonyms maximum*, highest*, at the zenith.

at (the) least

in any event, with no less than, at any rate; see anyhow 1.

not in the least

not at all, in no way, not in the slightest degree; see never.

least Usage Examples

Preposition: on

paper: So, at least on paper, it stood for political trade union work, a unique distinction on the Indian left.

Preposition: at

level: Less competitive, or at least at a different competitive level, these climbers are usually at Smith Rock to hike or explore.

Preposition: once

  • week: More oily fish Oily fish such as mackerel or salmon should be served at least once every three weeks.
  • month: Volunteer Leader Colin Clark leads ten personnel who receive comprehensive training at least once a month from the Brigade's full time instructors.
  • year: Have a regular appointment, at least once a year.
  • day: All joints should be put through a full range of movement at least once a day to prevent them stiffening up.
  • term: Every student has a personal tutor who they meet with at least once a term to discuss their progress.

Modifies a noun

  • two-third: In all, 389 distinct X-ray sources were detected, at least two-thirds of which were associated with a single proper-motion cluster member.
  • half: Moreover she looks fantastic too - at least half of her 51 years!
  • square: To get them for the starting model for the least squares do zero cycles.
  • bit: I don't feel a bit different--not the least bit.
  • amount: The aim of this guide is to familiarize you on how to keep this superb game running with the least amount of problems.
  • part: Just 4 per cent of processors were not reliant on export for at least part of their turnover.

Modifying Another Word

  • very: At the very least, some songs you have little or no chance of hearing on the radio will get an airing.
  • not: It comes in many forms, prompted by various factors, not least fatigue.

Preposition: in

  • part: They should be allowed to exercise that mandate, at least in part, right now.
  • theory: However, there are plenty of other options, at least in theory.
  • term: There are new methods for demonstrating alignment to organizational goals -- not least in terms of response time.
  • principle: With the advent of de-institutionalisation, people who once were patients have become, at least in principle, citizens again.

Preposition: for

moment: Accept, at least for the moment, the idea of gods and goddesses speaking to individuals directly.