least

[leest] /list/

adjective, a superl. of little with less or lesser as compar.

smallest in size, amount, degree, etc.; slightest:

He gave the least amount of money of anyone.

lowest in consideration, position, or importance.

noun

something that is least; the least amount, quantity, degree, etc.

South Midland U.S. the youngest in a family or group.

adverb, superl. of little with less as compar.

to the smallest extent, amount, or degree:

That's the least important question of all. He talks least.

Idioms

at least,

at the lowest estimate or figure:
The repairs will cost at least $100.
at any rate; in any case:
You didn't get a good grade, but at least you passed the course.

Also, at the least.

not in the least, not in the smallest degree; not at all:

I am not in the least concerned about the outcome of the World Series.

Origin

before 950; Middle English leest(e), Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa less

Can be confused

least, lest, let's.

British Dictionary definitions for not in the least

least

/liːst/

determiner

the least, the superlative of little you have the least talent of anyone
(as pronoun; functioning as sing): least isn't necessarily worst

at least

if nothing else: you should at least try
at the least

at the least, at least, at the minimum: at the least you should earn a hundred pounds

(usually used with a negative) in the least, in the slightest degree; at all: I don't mind in the least

adverb

the least, superlative of little they travel the least of all

adjective

of very little importance or rank

Word Origin

Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssaless

Word Origin and History for not in the least

least

adj.

Old English læst, earlier læsest "smallest" (superlative of lytel "small"), from Proto-Germanic superlative *laisistaz (see less). Qualifying phrase at least is Middle English æt læstan. As a noun, from early 12c.; as an adverb, c.1200.

Idioms and Phrases with not in the least

not in the least

see: in the least

least

also see: