least

The word “least” means the smallest amount, extent, or degree; the superlative of "little.". In plain terms, the smallest amount or lowest degree of something.

“Least” is pronounced leest (/list/ in IPA).

Here is “least” used in a sentence: “She put in the least effort of anyone on the team.”

Depending on how it is used, “least” can be a determiner and an adverb.

The word “least” comes from Old English. From Old English lǣst, related to "less," both ultimately from a Germanic word meaning "smallest.".

“Least” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Least” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the smallest amount, extent, or degree; the superlative of "little.".

'Less' is the comparative form, used when comparing two things, as in 'this jar holds less than that one.' 'Least' is the superlative, used for the smallest of three or more, as in 'this jar holds the least of all.' Both come from 'little' and describe amounts you cannot count individually.

'Least' is used with uncountable amounts, as in 'the least money' or 'the least time.' 'Fewest' is used with countable things, as in 'the fewest coins' or 'the fewest mistakes.' If you can count the items one by one, use 'fewest'; if you measure them as a mass, use 'least.'

'At least' means 'no less than' a stated amount, so 'wait at least ten minutes' sets ten as the minimum. It also introduces a redeeming point or a correction, as in 'It rained, but at least it was warm.' The core idea is a lower limit or a saving grace.

The opposite of 'least' is 'most,' the superlative meaning the greatest amount or degree. Where 'least' marks the smallest, as in 'the least effort,' 'most' marks the largest, as in 'the most effort.' For countable things, the matching pair is 'fewest' and 'most.'