least Definition
least (lēst)
adjective
- little
- smallest or slightest in size, degree, importance, etc. the least movement
- Biol. very small: used in names of species or varieties least flycatcher
Etymology: ME lest < OE læsest, læst, superl. of læssa, less
adverb
- little
- in the smallest degree
noun
the smallest in size, amount, importance, etc.
least Idioms
at (the) least
- at the very lowest figure or amount; with no less
- at any rate; in any event
not in the least
not at all
least Synonyms
least
modif.
Smallest
tiniest, minutest, infinitesimal, molecular, microcosmic, microscopic, atomic; see also minute 1.Least important
slightest, most trivial, niggling, piddling, finical, next to nothing; see also trivial, unimportant.In the lowest degree
minimal, at the nadir, most inferior, bottom; see lowest, minimum.
at (the) least
not in the least
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.
Browse dictionary entries near least
- ‹ leasing
- ‹ leash
- ‹ leasehold estate
- ‹ leasehold
- ‹ leaseback
- ‹ lease-purchase agreement
- ‹ lease-back
- ‹ lease
- ‹ leary
- ‹ learning-disabled

