least
leest
Least (determiner) means the smallest amount, extent, or degree; the superlative of "little.". Example: “She put in the least effort of anyone on the team.”
determiner
1
The smallest amount, extent, or degree; the superlative of "little."
"She put in the least effort of anyone on the team."
"Choose the option with the least risk."
"He spends the least time on homework of all his friends."
adverb
1
To the smallest degree.
"That is the least interesting part of the story."
"I like the soup least of all the dishes on the menu."
"Of all the people in the room, she was least likely to complain."
How to use least
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe smallest amount or lowest degree of something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
at least
the least amount
not in the least
last but not least
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Word forms
- Plural
- leasts
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She put in the _____ effort of anyone on the team.
Etymology
From Old English lǣst, related to "less," both ultimately from a Germanic word meaning "smallest."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for least
See all rhymes for least →Frequently asked questions
What does “least” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “least”?
“Least” is pronounced leest (/list/ in IPA).
How do you use “least” in a sentence?
Here is “least” used in a sentence: “She put in the least effort of anyone on the team.”
What part of speech is “least”?
Depending on how it is used, “least” can be a determiner and an adverb.
Where does the word “least” come from?
The word “least” comes from Old English. From Old English lǣst, related to "less," both ultimately from a Germanic word meaning "smallest.".
Is “least” a common word?
“Least” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “least” have?
“Least” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the smallest amount, extent, or degree; the superlative of "little.".
What is the difference between 'least' and 'less'?
'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.
What is the difference between 'least' and 'fewest'?
'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.'
What does 'at least' mean?
'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.
What is the opposite of 'least'?
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.'
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