ENGLISH
REFERENCE

at least

idiom
Meaning

You use 'at least' to show the minimum number or amount of something. It can also be used to point out a positive part of a bad situation.


Origin

disputed origin

From Middle English at leste, from Old English æt lǣstan.

Examples
SIMPLE

You need at least ten dollars for the bus.

CONTEXTUAL

The flight was delayed for hours, but at least we had plenty of snacks to eat while we waited.

COMPLEX

Although the project failed to meet the primary objective, at least the team gained valuable experience that will prevent similar errors in the future.

Last updated April 22, 2026