at all

adverb

in the slightest degree or in any respect (Freq. 81)

-

Are you at all interested? No, not at all

-

was not in the least unfriendly

• Syn: ↑in the least, ↑the least bit

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\\əd.ˈȯl, əˈtȯl, ad.ˈȯl\ adverb (or adjective)

: in any way or respect : to even the least extent or degree : under any circumstances — used chiefly for emphasis especially in negative, conditional, or interrogative sentences or phrases

he has no ambition at all

not at all likely

wherever an at all Catholic culture exists — R.G.Davis

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at all

1. In the least degree

2. In any way

3. In any circumstances

4. Used also merely to give emphasis

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Main Entry: ↑all

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at all phrase

used for emphasis when you are saying or asking whether something is even slightly true, especially after words such as ‘any’, ‘anything’, ‘anyone’, or ‘nothing’

Has the situation improved at all?

You don’t have any money at all?

He doesn’t know anything at all about computers.

Thesaurus: ways of adding emphasis to questions_synonym

Main entry: at

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I

[with negative or in questions] (used for emphasis) in any way; to any extent

I don't like him at all | did he suffer at all?

II

see all

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at all

— used to make a statement or question more forceful

He will go anywhere at all to get a job.

Did you find out anything at all?

— used especially in negative statements

“Did she say anything?” “No, nothing at all.”

I don't mind cooking at all.

It's not at all what you think it is. It's something else entirely.

I wasn't tired at all. = I wasn't at all tired. [=I wasn't even slightly tired]

This chair is not at all comfortable.

I didn't like it at all.

That is not at all likely.

◇ The phrase not at all is sometimes used as a polite response when someone thanks you.

“Thank you for all your trouble.” “Not at all.”

“That was very kind of you.” “Not at all. It was the least I could do.”

• • •

Main Entry: ↑all

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(not) at all idiom

in any way; to any degree

•

I didn't enjoy it at all.

Main entry: ↑all_idiom