at least
1. No less than (a certain amount). I didn't expect so many guests! We'll need at least five more seats at the table for dinner. I try to keep at least $1,000 in my bank account at all times. Oh man, look at all this traffic—we need at least an hour to get there too.
2. Used to emphasize a positive occurrence amid disappointments. At least it only rained for two days of your trip! OK so Tom didn't come over tonight. At least he still called you. A: "Sorry to hear your car broke down." B: "Well, at least I was only a few blocks from home when it happened."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
at least
anyway; in spite of difficulties. At least we had a good evening, even though the afternoon was rainy. At least we came away with some of our money left.
at least so many
no less than; no fewer than. There were at least four people there that I knew. I want to spend at least three weeks in Mexico.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
at least
1. Also, at the least. According to the lowest possible assessment, no less than. For example, At least a dozen more chairs are needed, or The job will take four hours at the least. [c. 1050]
2. Anyway, anyhow, as in
At least you got there on time, or
The children enjoyed the dessert at least. [c. 1050] For synonyms, see
at any rate;
in any case.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
at ˈleast
1 (of a number) not less than: There were at least 70 000 people at the concert. OPPOSITE: at (the) most
2 the minimum somebody should do: I know it’s difficult for him to telephone me, but he could at least write.
3 used for talking about the only advantage or good point of somebody/something: This car is slow, it uses a lot of petrol, but at least it doesn’t break down.
4 used to show you are not completely sure of something: It’s true. At least, I think so.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
at least
1. According to the lowest possible assessment; not less than: We waited at least an hour.
2. Regardless of what has occurred or will occur; in any case: You might at least answer the letter.
3. Used to emphasize a somewhat positive aspect following a negative one: The results weren't encouraging, but at least they were accurate.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.