at least

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Explanation of "At Least"

Meaning:
The phrase "at least" is used to indicate a minimum amount or level of something. It shows that you are referring to a quantity, time, or degree that is not less than what you mention. It can also be used to express a sense of relief or to highlight a positive aspect in a situation.

Examples:

1. Minimum Quantity:

   • "You should study for at least two hours every day." (This means you should study for no less than two hours.)

2. Positive Aspect:

   • "It rained today, but at least the plants got some water." (Here, it emphasizes a positive outcome despite the inconvenience of rain.)

3. Comparative Situation:

   • "The meal was not great, but at least it was free." (This shows that even though the meal wasn't good, there was a benefit.)

Advanced Usage:

• In a more complex sentence:
  • "The project was delayed, but at least we finished it on time for the presentation." (This highlights a positive outcome despite the delay.)

Word Variants:

• "Leastwise": This is an informal variant of "at least."
• "Leastways": This is a colloquial variant and is used similarly to "at least."

Different Meanings:

While "at least" primarily indicates a minimum, it can also imply a sense of consolation or relief in certain contexts, focusing on what is positive in a negative situation.

Synonyms:

• Minimum: As in "You need a minimum of two hours."
• At any rate: As in "We didn’t win, but at any rate, we tried our best."
• In any case: As in "It might be challenging, but in any case, we will succeed."

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "At the very least": This is a stronger way of emphasizing the minimum.

  • Example: "You should, at the very least, finish your homework before going out."

• "At any rate": This phrase is used to indicate that something is true regardless of other considerations.

  • Example: "The weather was bad; at any rate, we enjoyed our trip."

Summary:

"At least" is a versatile phrase you can use to express a minimum level of something, highlight a positive aspect of a situation, or show relief.

Academic

Adverb

1. not less than
   • at least two hours studying the manual
   • a tumor at least as big as an orange
2. if nothing else (`leastwise' is informal and `leastways' is colloquial)
   • 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

Synonyms

• at the least
• leastways
• leastwise
• at any rate