Idiom idiom
at least
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.
Examples
“You need at least ten dollars for the bus.”
“The flight was delayed for hours, but at least we had plenty of snacks to eat while we waited.”
“Although the project failed to meet the primary objective, at least the team gained valuable experience that will prevent similar errors in the future.”
Origin
From Middle English *at leste*, derived from the Old English *æt lǣstan*.
Last updated April 22, 2026