least

least
1 /li:st/ determiner, pronoun
1 at least
a) not less than a particular number or amount: It will take you at least 20 minutes to get there. | He had been dead for at least a fortnight. | at the very least (=not less than and probably much more than): It would cost $1 million at the very least.
b) at least even if nothing else is true, or even if nothing else happens: I think you should at least consider his offer. | Well, at least I don't spend all my money on drink like some people.
c) used when you are mentioning an advantage that makes certain problems or disadvantages seem less serious: At least he was safe now. | The film wasn't very interesting, but at least it filled the time.
d) used when you are correcting or changing something that you have just said: Mary was depressed all evening. Or at least it seemed that way. | She has no plans to return to England yet, at least as far as I know.
2 the smallest in number, amount, or importance: It's not always wise to buy the one that costs the least. | Those with the least money pay the least in taxes.
3 not the least/not in the least/not the least bit none at all, or not at all: It doesn't matter in the least if you're a bit late. | She didn't seem the least bit worried. | He came up without the least hesitation and asked me what I was doing there.
4 the least sb could do used when saying what you think someone should or could do to help someone else: The least he could do is give them some money towards the rent.
5 to say the least used to show that something is worse or more serious than you are actually saying: He was rather offended, to say the least.
6 the least of your worries something you are not worried about because there are other more important problems: Deciding what to wear for the trial is the least of my worries.
2 adverb
1 less than anything or anyone else: It happened when we least expected it. | He was the least experienced of the teachers | The tax hits those who can least afford it.
2 least of all especially not a particular person: No one knew where he was, least of all his family.
3 not least formal especially: The president's speeches were alarming, not least to the country's allies.

Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.

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Synonyms:
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  • least — [ list ] function word *** Least is the superlative form of little and can be used in the following ways: as a determiner (followed by an uncountable noun): He generally takes the path of least resistance. (after the ): These farming methods… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • Least — (l[=e]st), a. [OE. last, lest, AS. l[=ae]sast, l[=ae]sest, superl. of l[=ae]ssa less. See {Less}, a.] [Used as the superlative of little.] Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant; as, the least insect; the least… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • least — ► DETERMINER & PRONOUN (usu. the least) ▪ smallest in amount, extent, or significance. ► ADJECTIVE ▪ used in names of very small animals and plants: least shrew. ► ADVERB ▪ to the smallest extent or degree. ● at least Cf. ↑ …   English terms dictionary

  • least — [lēst] adj. [ME lest < OE læsest, læst, superl. of læssa, LESS] 1. alt. superl. of 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… …   English World dictionary

  • least — 1. Least of all means ‘especially not’ and should only be used in negative contexts: • I am not going to try to play the role of prophet, least of all Jeremiah Listener, 1973. 2. Use less, not least, when contrasting two things: • The latter… …   Modern English usage

  • Least — Least, adv. In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others; as, to reward those who least deserve it. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • least — least; least·ways; least·wise; …   English syllables

  • Least — Least, conj. See {Lest}, conj. [Obs.] Spenser. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • least — (adj.) O.E. læst, earlier læsest smallest (superlative of lytel small ), from P.Gmc. superlative *laisistaz (see LESS (Cf. less)). Qualifying phrase at least is M.E. æt læstan. As a noun, from early 12c.; as an adverb, c.1200 …   Etymology dictionary

  • Least — may refer to: *Little *Child …   Wikipedia

  • least — index minimal Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

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