You use at least to say that a number or amount is the smallest that is possible or likely and that the actual number or amount may be greater. The forms at the least and at the very least are also used.
...a dinner menu featuring at least 15 different sorts of fish.
Aim to have at least half a pint of milk each day.
About two-thirds of adults consult their doctor at least once a year.
You should use this mouthwash several times a day – twice at the very least.
Synonyms: at the minimum, at the very least, not less than More Synonyms of at least
See full dictionary entry for least
at least
phrase
You use at least to say that something is the minimum that is true or possible. The forms at the least and at the very least are also used.
She could take a nice holiday at least.
He is at least content that there will be no immediate use of force.
At the least, I needed some sleep.
His possession of classified documents in his home was, at the very least, a violationof Navy security regulations.
See full dictionary entry for least
at least
phrase
You use at least to indicate an advantage that exists in spite of the disadvantage or bad situation that has just been mentioned.
We've no idea what his state of health is but at least we know he is still alive.
If something awful happens to you at least you can write about it.
See full dictionary entry for least
at least
phrase
You use at least to indicate that you are correcting or changing something that you have just said.
It's not difficult to get money for research or at least it's not always difficult.
They didn't like the magazine much, but they bought it or, at the least, borrowedit from each other.
See full dictionary entry for least
at least in British English
(ət liːst)
determiner
at the minimum
a variant form of at the least
at least in British English
a.
if nothing else
you should at least try
b.
at the least
See full dictionary entry for least
Examples of 'at least' in a sentence
at least
Find a class and try to go at least once a week.
The Sun (2017)
But we should have had at least one goal.
The Sun (2016)
The company is advising holidaymakers to book at least six months in advance.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
And always pay off at least the minimum amount each month.
The Sun (2017)
He is also tested at least four times a month.
The Sun (2016)
The rose crystal facial left me looking at least five years younger.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
They sent out an email appeal saying at least half its team of four plus one reserve should not be men.
The Sun (2016)
The museum also suggests arriving at least 30 minutes early to get good viewing spot.
Smithsonian Mag (2017)
So if they can convince them to stay they've at least salvaged something from the embers.
The Sun (2016)
They are likely to exercise at least three times more a week, walking an average 74 minutes a day in addition to their normal fitness routine.
The Sun (2016)
The aim is at least to try to show solidarity.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
They have conceded at least two goals in each of their most demanding six assignments.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Likely to outlast at least one husband.
The Sun (2006)
You just hope they at least had fun trying.
The Sun (2012)
If it still provokes a reaction then it should be excluded for six months at least.
Chaitow, Leon The Beat Fatigue Workbook - how to identify the causes (1988)
You may therefore conclude that the exhibition contains the work of at least four artists.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They are also braced for at least two more years of austerity.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The minimum amount is at least half an hour of vigorous exercise three times a week.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Thank you for at least leaving something to replace what you have taken!
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
So why not at least try for that?
The Sun (2010)
He is still likely to miss at least four months but not the whole campaign.
The Sun (2008)
At least six more stars are set to be arrested this month and in the new year.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Regular army recruits sign up for at least four years.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They are also at least a size too small.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Make at least five contacts with your target audience.
Christianity Today (2000)
So at least something positive has come of all this.
The Sun (2013)
So at least try to avoid the potholes.
The Sun (2015)
England hold the record of most consecutive games at the finals in which they scored at least one goal.
The Sun (2016)
And Belgian media quoted sources saying at least three raids were carried out simultaneously.
The Sun (2015)
This would amount to at least 4,000 a month.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
That makes the 4-5 quoted against the game yielding at least three goals look fair value.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Such offers would be likely to be at least 400 million.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
If you lose the final, at least you can say you've been in a final.
The Sun (2016)
In other languages
at least
British English: at least /ət liːst/ ADVERB
At least means not less than.
Drink at least half a pint of milk each day.
American English: at least
Arabic: عَلَى الأَقَلّ
Brazilian Portuguese: pelo menos
Chinese: 至少
Croatian: barem
Czech: alespoň
Danish: mindst
Dutch: ten minste
European Spanish: al menos
Finnish: ainakin
French: au moins
German: mindestens
Greek: τουλάχιστον
Italian: almeno
Japanese: 少なくとも
Korean: 적어도
Norwegian: i det minste
Polish: przynajmniej
European Portuguese: pelo menos
Romanian: cel puțin
Russian: по крайней мере
Latin American Spanish: al menos
Swedish: åtminstone
Thai: อย่างน้อยที่สุด
Turkish: en azından
Ukrainian: принаймні
Vietnamese: tối thiểu
Chinese translation of 'at least'
at least
(in expressions of quantity, comparisons) 至少 (zhìshǎo)
⇒ I must have slept twelve hours at least.我一定至少睡了12个小时。 (Wǒ yīdìng zhìshǎo shuìle shí'èr gè xiǎoshí.)
(= still) 无(無)论(論)如何 (wúlùn rúhé)
⇒ It looks difficult but at least it is not dangerous.看起来很困难，但无论如何没有什么危险。 (Kàn qǐlái hěn kùnnan, dàn wúlùn rúhé méiyǒu shénme wēixiǎn.)
(= or rather) 起码(碼) (qǐmǎ)
⇒ I spotted my ex-wife; at least I thought I did.我看见我前妻了；起码我认为是的。 (Wǒ kànjiàn wǒ qiánqī le;qǐmǎ wǒ rènwéi shì de.)
(= at the very minimum) 至少 (zhìshǎo)
⇒ You could at least have written.你至少应该写信吧。 (Nǐ zhìshǎo yīnggāi xiěxìn ba.)