least
Adjective:
- The superlative form of 'little'. It indicates the smallest amount, extent, or degree when comparing three or more items, especially with uncountable nouns. It is almost always preceded by 'the'.
- Example: He has the least experience of all the candidates.
Adverb:
- Used to form the superlative of adjectives and adverbs, meaning 'to the smallest degree'.
- Example: This is the least expensive option available.
Noun:
- The smallest or lowest amount, thing, or degree. Often used in phrases to indicate something of minimal importance.
- Example: That is the least of my worries.
Adjective:
- She chose the path of least resistance.
- Of all the desserts, this one has the least sugar.
Adverb:
- He works least efficiently when he's tired.
- It was the least interesting book I've ever read.
Noun:
- I will do the least I can to help.
- The cost is the least of our concerns right now.
"at (the) least": Used to indicate a minimum amount or number, or to soften a statement.
- The trip will take three hours at least.
- It was, at the least, a surprising decision.
"not in the least": Not at all; not even a small amount.
- I am not in the least interested in that topic.
"to say the least": Used to suggest that a situation is actually more extreme or significant than is being stated.
- The meeting was disorganized, to say the least.
Less (adj/adv): The comparative form of 'little'. Used for comparing two items.
- This car uses less fuel than the old one.
Lesser (adj): Not as great in size, amount, or importance. (Often used in fixed phrases).
- He was convicted of a lesser offense.
- Adjective/Adverb: Smallest, minimum, slightest, lowest.
- Noun: Minimum, smallest amount.
"last but not least": Used to introduce the final item in a list, emphasizing that it is still important.
- And last but not least, I'd like to thank my family.
"the least of all": Less than anyone or anything else.
- That problem concerns me least of all.
"The least said, the better": It is best to say as little as possible about something.
- About that argument, the least said, the better.
"Least said, soonest mended": (Proverb) A situation will be resolved more quickly if you don't talk about it much.
- I decided not to argue further—least said, soonest mended.
- 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
- didn't care the least bit
- he has the least talent of anyone
- used to form the superlative
- The garter snake is the least dangerous snake
- something that is of no importance
- it is the least I can do
- that is the least of my concerns