LEAST

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does least mean? 

• LEAST (noun)
  The noun LEAST has 1 sense:

1. something that is of no importance

  Familiarity information: LEAST used as a noun is very rare.

• LEAST (adjective)
  The adjective LEAST has 1 sense:

1. 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

  Familiarity information: LEAST used as an adjective is very rare.

• LEAST (adverb)
  The adverb LEAST has 1 sense:

1. used to form the superlative

  Familiarity information: LEAST used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LEAST (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Something that is of no importance

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Context example:

that is the least of my concerns

Hypernyms ("least" is a kind of...):

affair; matter; thing (a vaguely specified concern)

• LEAST (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

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

Context example:

he has the least talent of anyone

Domain usage:

superlative (an exaggerated expression (usually of praise))

Antonym:

most (the superlative of 'much' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by 'the'; a quantifier meaning the greatest in amount or extent or degree)

• LEAST (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Used to form the superlative

Synonyms:

least; to the lowest degree

Context example:

The garter snake is the least dangerous snake

Antonym:

most (used to form the superlative)

 Context examples 

The hunter had managed to get the boat before the wind again, but we ran down upon it, going at least two feet to its one.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

You don’t mind breaking the law? Not in the least. Nor running a chance of arrest? Not in a good cause. Oh, the cause is excellent! Then I am your man.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Poesy does not prevent one from being practical—at least it doesn't prevent me.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

He is as yet only suspicious; and he went from Carfax first to the place where he would suspect interference least.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

“At least you have his assurance that your horse will run,” said I.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

There are indications that she has had recourse to an optician at least twice during the last few months.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

This gave us the means of life for at least a week, even if we found nothing else.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

They are not very wearing, so they'll keep. and Jo stitched away, with a wise nod which set her mother's heart at rest about her for the present at least.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Adele, too, would be dressed: though I thought she had little chance of being introduced to the party that day at least.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)