Least
/liːst/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe smallest in amount or degree.
/liːst/
Smallest in size, amount, or degree.
He put in the least amount of effort.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have three cookies. 'Least' means the one with the fewest chocolate chips. It's the smallest amount or degree of something.
👶 For kids: The least is the smallest! Like the smallest piece of cake or the fewest toys.
More Examples
This is the least complicated method.
Of all the choices, this is the least appealing to me.
How It's Used
"This is the least expensive option."
"The least amount of effort is required."
To the smallest degree or extent.
/liːst/
To the smallest extent or degree; not at all.
He was the least enthusiastic about the plan.
💡 Simply: When you're saying that something happens the smallest amount, or not at all, use the word 'least.' For example, 'I like broccoli least of all vegetables!'
👶 For kids: When something is not that much, we say "least".
More Examples
I am least concerned about the outcome.
To say the least, it was a surprise.
How It's Used
"I dislike it, to say the least."
"I least expected that to happen."
The smallest amount or degree.
/liːst/
He cared at the very least.
💡 Simply: When you are talking about the very minimum of something. For example, 'I need the least amount of sleep to be okay.'
👶 For kids: The smallest amount of something.
More Examples
I'm happy, to say the least.
At the very least, you should apologize.
How It's Used
"At the very least, we should try."
"He didn't have the least bit of patience."
Idioms & expressions
at least
At the minimum; no less than.
"You should at least apologize."
to say the least
Used to describe a situation as being much more significant or important than what is being stated.
"It was an unusual situation, to say the least."
From Old English *lǣst* ('last, least'), comparative of *lytel* ('little'). Related to German *letzt*.
Historically, 'least' has been consistently used to denote the smallest amount or degree.
Memory tip
Think of the 'least' pizza slice – the smallest one left.
Word Origin
"little"