least β smallest in amount, extent, or significance
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: smallest in amount, extent, or significance
Pronunciation (IPA): /list/
Example Sentences
- My mom gave me the least delicious sandwich for lunch - it was just bread and air!
- At least you tried, even though you failed spectacularly.
- She chose the least crowded subway car and still ended up squeezed like a sardine.
least
ADJECTIVE[/list/]
smallest in amount, extent, or significance
The student received the least food on their lunch tray
The least crumb satisfies, while the beast devours the feast!
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π€Pronunciation
π³Etymology
Origin
Derived from Old English 'læsest', the superlative form of 'læs' (less), which evolved from Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'small' or 'little'. The word developed through natural phonetic changes in English, ultimately settling into its modern form 'least' as the superlative of 'little'.
Breakdown
læs- (small, little) + -est (superlative suffix). The superlative morpheme -est transformed the base form through phonetic evolution, with 'læsest' gradually simplifying to 'least' in Middle and Early Modern English.
π΅Rhyme
πCollocations
πExamples
βMy mom gave me the least delicious sandwich for lunch - it was just bread and air!β
βAt least you tried, even though you failed spectacularly.β
βShe chose the least crowded subway car and still ended up squeezed like a sardine.β
βThis is the least we can do to help the environment.β
πRelated Words
Synonyms
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