least

The word "least" is the opposite of "most." It describes an amount that is smaller than other amounts.

• Of the three choices, she likes the orange one the least.
• Joe puts the least amount of effort in getting his work finished. He’s very lazy.
• That was one of the least interesting classes I have ever taken. It was very boring.
• Finding a new job is the least of her problems. She has many other problems to deal with.
• The least amount of pain and suffering happened at the beginning of the war; most of the war’s devastation was felt towards the end of it.

The preposition "at" is often placed in front of "least" to form "at least." This is a kind of idiom that we use to describe some advantage despite a difficulty.

• Tom has a difficult job. At least it’s interesting.
• Their company went out of business. At least everyone received one final paycheck.
• The party was held under a very cloudy sky. At least it didn’t rain.
• He lost all of his money and his house…

…but at least he still has his donkey.

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January 6, 2013