Least
[liːst] or [list]
Definition
(noun.) something that is of no importance; 'it is the least I can do'; 'that is the least of my concerns'.
(adj.) the superlative of `little' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by `the'; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree; 'didn't care the least bit'; 'he has the least talent of anyone' .
(adv.) used to form the superlative; 'The garter snake is the least dangerous snake'.
Typed by Hannah--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant; as, the least insect; the least mercy; the least space.
(adv.) In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others; as, to reward those who least deserve it.
(conj.) See Lest, conj.
Typist: Perry
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. Smallest, minutest.
ad. In the smallest degree.
Typed by Chloe
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Smallest, lowest, meanest, last
ANT:Greatest, highest, first, {[nuiin]?}, principal
Typed by Dewey
Definition
adj. (serves as superl. of Little) little beyond all others: smallest.—adv. in the smallest or lowest degree.—advs. Least′ways Least′wise at least: however.—At least or At the least at the lowest estimate: at any rate.
conj. (Spens.). Same as Lest.
Checker: Wilmer
Examples
- His wife saw the one part at least of the bouquet-scene. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Well, at least, said Holmes, you have had your revenge upon them. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- She did not affect modesty, nor appear in the least offended at my intrusion. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- If you doubt that in the least degree, I will never write it. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- He defends both,--and I think, at least, _consistently_. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- At least, we may take counsel how far we can minimize this hideous scandal. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- Or at least--but it don't matter. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- I pray you, reverend father as you are a Christian, to undo your door, and at least point out to me my road. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- But we were not caring for these things --they did not interest us in the least. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- As for Jane Fairfax, she might at least relieve her feelings from any present solicitude on her account. Jane Austen. Emma.
- My horse must be like the others, but I have at least the consolation of not knowing it to be so. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- That at least we may share in common. Edgar Rice Burroughs. A Princess of Mars.
- He is apt to denominate, however, his whole gain, profit, and thus confounds rent with profit, at least in common language. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- There is not the least hope. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- But he called till he was hoarse; nobody paid the least attention to him. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
Checked by Claudia