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at the least

 - 4 dictionary results

least

  [leest]
Use at the least in a Sentence
–adjective, a superl. of little with less or lesser as compar.
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
3. something that is least; the least amount, quantity, degree, etc.
4. South Midland U.S. the youngest in a family or group.
–adverb superl. of little with less as compar.
5. to the smallest extent, amount, or degree: That's the least important question of all. He talks least.
—Idioms
6. at least,
a. at the lowest estimate or figure: The repairs will cost at least $100.
b. at any rate; in any case: You didn't get a good grade, but at least you passed the course.
Also, at the least.
7. 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.
Origin:
bef. 950; ME leest(e), OE lǣst, superl. of lǣssa less
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

least 
O.E. læst, earlier læsest "smallest" (superlative of læs "smaller, less"), from P.Gmc. *laisistaz. Qualifying phrase at least is M.E. æt læstan. Colloquial leastways (1825), regarded as vulgar is simply a one-word form of Chaucer's leest weye (c.1386).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: least
superlative of LITTLE
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Idioms & Phrases

at the least

see under at least.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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