at least

adverb

1. if nothing else (`leastwise' is informal and `leastways' is colloquial) (Freq. 60)

-

at least he survived

-

they felt—at any rate Jim felt—relieved though still wary

-

the influence of economists—or at any rate of economics—is far-reaching

• Syn: ↑leastways, ↑leastwise, ↑at any rate

• Usage Domain: ↑colloquialism

2. not less than (Freq. 57)

-

at least two hours studying the manual

-

a tumor at least as big as an orange

• Syn: ↑at the least

• Ant: ↑at the most (for: ↑at the least), ↑at most

* * *

I

see least

II

1) not less than; at the minimum

clean the windows at least once a week

2) if nothing else (used to add a positive comment about a generally negative situation)

the options aren't complete, but at least they're a start

3) anyway (used to modify something just stated)

they seldom complained-officially at least

* * *

at least

1 : not less than a specified amount, level, etc.

At least once a year, we visit our grandparents.

We meet at least once a month. = We meet once a month at least.

You must be at least 21 years of age to enter.

He was at least six feet tall.

He must have at least 300 CDs!

2

— used to say that something (such as a bad situation) could be or have been worse

The weather was cold, but at least it didn't rain.

I was tired and hungry, but at least I was free.

We don't have much money, but at least we still have each other.

3

— used to indicate the smallest or easiest thing that someone can or should do

Well, he could have at least apologized.

4 a

— used to indicate that the truth of a statement might change or has changed

We're going to have a picnic, at least if it doesn't rain.

I'm fine for now at least. [=I'm fine for now although I may not be fine later]

He was unknown in the music world, at least until recently.

4 b

— used to indicate that the truth of a previous statement is not certain

Her name is Sue, or at least I think it is.

He is coming today. At least that's what he told me.

• • •

Main Entry: ↑least

* * *

at ˈleast idiom

1. not less than

•

It'll cost at least 500 dollars.

•

She must be at least 40.

•

Cut the grass at least once a week in summer.

•

I've known her at least as long as you have.

2. used to add a positive comment about a negative situation

•

She may be slow but at least she's reliable.

3. even if nothing else is true or you do nothing else

•

You could at least listen to what he says.

•

Well, at least they weren't bored.

4. used to limit or make what you have just said less definite

Syn: ↑anyway

•

They seldom complained— officially at least.

•

It works, at least I think it does.

Main entry: ↑least_idiom