at least — used to indicate a minimum amount or the smallest possible quantity
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: used to indicate a minimum amount or the smallest possible quantity
Pronunciation (IPA): /æt liːst/
Example Sentences
- I lost my wallet, but at least I still have my phone to call for help!
- The movie was terrible, but at least the popcorn was good.
- You need at least 8 hours of sleep to function properly.
at least
ADVERB[/æt liːst/]
used to indicate a minimum amount or the smallest possible quantity
You need at least three people to move the heavy table.
The package weighs at least five kilograms, so two workers are needed to carry it.
At least ten guests came to the feast, where even a hungry beast would have found enough food.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase combines the preposition 'at', indicating location or state, with 'least', derived from Old English 'læst' meaning 'smallest' or 'least'. The combination developed to express 'at the minimum point' or 'no less than'.
Breakdown
at (preposition indicating position/state) + least (from Old English læst, meaning smallest/minimum), forming a prepositional phrase that denotes the lowest degree or minimum extent.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I lost my wallet, but at least I still have my phone to call for help!”
“The movie was terrible, but at least the popcorn was good.”
“You need at least 8 hours of sleep to function properly.”
“At least 50 students attended the boring lecture about tax regulations.”
“I failed the test, but at least I learned something new.”
📚Related Words
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