least

Everyday

1. Least means the smallest amount. The one with the least has less than all the others. tree →
2. «At least» means that number or more, not fewer: «at least 3 coins». tree →
3. «At least» also means «anyway, there is one good thing»: «It rained, but at least we had umbrellas». tree →
4. «Not in the least» means not at all. tree →

In the lessons

In school maths: a comparison — the smallest number in a group; «at least» gives a lower bound; «at least how many» often needs rounding up after division; least common multiple. In everyday life: «at least say thank you», «the least I can do». Phrases: «at least», «the least», «least of all», «last but not least».

Examples

• Who has the least money? tree →
• Which box holds the least water? tree →
• You need at least 3 coins. tree →
• At least how many cars are needed for 20 people? tree →
• The least common multiple of 4 and 6 is 12. tree →
• It was cold, but at least it didn't rain. tree →
• Last but not least, thank you to our helpers. tree →
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. tree →
• No one has the least idea. tree →

Note

«Least» is for amounts that are not counted (least water); for counted things «fewest» is more careful (fewest coins), though people often say «least». Opposite: «most». Maths: points to the smallest value, or a lower bound. Trap: «at least how many» often needs rounding up after division (21 ÷ 4 needs 6 cars, not 5).

In Jewish tradition

In school maths: a comparison — the smallest number in a group; «at least» gives a lower bound; «at least how many» often needs rounding up after division; least common multiple. In everyday life: «at least say thank you», «the least I can do». Phrases: «at least», «the least», «least of all», «last but not least».

Examples

• And her brother and her mother said: 'Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.' (Torah GEN.24.55, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the people rose up all that day, and all the night, and all the next day, and gathered the quails; he that gathered least gathered ten heaps; and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp. (Torah NUM.11.32, JPS 1917) tree →
• This work then, or a similar predecessor, is at least as old as a.d. 200. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• The smallest shall become a thousand, and the least a mighty nation; I the LORD will hasten it in its time. (Prophets ISA.60.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as beforetime knew nothing thereof; (Prophets JDG.3.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• These of the sons of Gad were captains of the host; he that was least was equal to a hundred, and the greatest to a thousand. (Writings 1CH.12.15, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Least» is for amounts that are not counted (least water); for counted things «fewest» is more careful (fewest coins), though people often say «least». Opposite: «most». Maths: points to the smallest value, or a lower bound. Trap: «at least how many» often needs rounding up after division (21 ÷ 4 needs 6 cars, not 5).