least

«least» in Mova's school dictionary: the smallest amount — its meaning for a pupil, its sense in the lessons and examples, with 5 sentences of Mova's corpora that use it.

part of speech

adjective, adverb, pronoun (little, less, least)

meaning for a pupil

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 →

sense 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 the corpora

• Many teachers suggest giving a new instrument at least a full term before deciding, and recording yourself shows your progress.
• Guinea pigs are herd animals, so at least two should live together.
• Seals rest on beaches and can bite, so people stay at least 10 metres away and keep dogs on a lead.
• Being active for at least an hour a day keeps your heart, muscles and mind strong.
• Children should be active for at least an hour a day.

Trees and pragmatics

Every meaning and example of «least» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.