at least

at least — idiom

1. not less than a stated number or amount; a minimum of

1.idiomA2
Definition

not less than a stated number or amount; a minimum of

Example

Adisa read at least twenty books over the summer holidays.

at least + number + noun

The journey to the mountain lodge takes at least three hours by car.

Common collocations
  • at least half
  • at least twice
  • at least once
Synonyms
  • no less than

    slightly more formal; often used with larger or more impressive numbers

  • a minimum of

    more precise and formal; common in official instructions or rules

  • not under

    less common; mainly used with prices or ages

Antonyms
  • at most

    the upper limit, the opposite of a minimum

Grammar Patterns

at least + number/amount

Common Mistakes

I have atleast ten minutes.
I have at least ten minutes.
'at least' is always two separate words, never written as one.

2. used after a negative or critical statement to add a fact that makes the whole m

2.idiomB1
Definition

used after a negative or critical statement to add a fact that makes the whole message feel less disappointing

Example

The hotel room was rather small, but at least the bed was clean and comfortable.

but at least + positive counterpoint

Ishaan arrived half an hour late, but at least he brought the documents we needed.

Common collocations
  • but at least
  • still, at least
Synonyms
  • at any rate

    similar in meaning but more formal and less common in everyday speech

  • in any case

    often used when moving past a problem to focus on what still matters

  • anyhow

    very informal; can sound dismissive if used in serious contexts

Grammar Patterns

but at least + positive statement

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 3: here the first part is a negative opinion or criticism being softened; in sense 3, the first part describes an objectively bad event and the speaker is finding one comfort.

3. used to pick out the one comforting or relieving detail in a situation that is o

3.idiomB1
Definition

used to pick out the one comforting or relieving detail in a situation that is otherwise entirely bad

Example

Nadia missed her flight, but at least the airline gave her a free hotel room.

but at least + lone positive in bad luck

The storm flooded the basement, but at least nobody in the house was hurt.

Common collocations
  • but at least
  • well, at least
Synonyms
  • thankfully

    expresses relief but does not carry the 'despite everything else' meaning

  • on the bright side

    very close in meaning; slightly more conversational and informal

  • the good news is

    more direct and often used to shift the topic to something positive

Grammar Patterns

but at least + single positive detail

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 2: this sense describes a genuinely bad event (accident, loss, disaster) with one silver lining. Sense 2 softens a criticism or mild negative — the situation was not necessarily terrible.

4. a way of urging someone to do the smallest possible thing, when they seem unwill

4.idiomB1
Definition

a way of urging someone to do the smallest possible thing, when they seem unwilling or unable to act at all

Example

Emily, you could at least call your grandmother on her birthday.

could at least + verb for minimal expectation

If you are not going to help cook, at least set the table before the guests arrive.

Common collocations
  • could at least
  • should at least
  • at least try
Synonyms
  • if nothing else

    emphasises the absolute minimum in a situation; often used at the start of a sentence

  • at the very least

    stronger and more emphatic; suggests the speaker expects more but is settling

  • for goodness' sake

    much stronger tone of exasperation; only for informal spoken English

Grammar Patterns

could/should at least + verb

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

All four expressions set a lower limit, but they differ in tone and typical use. 'At least' is the most natural and frequent choice in everyday speech and writing — it fits casual conversation, business emails, and academic work equally well. 'No less than' carries a shade of surprise or emphasis, often appearing before surprisingly large numbers: 'The painting sold for no less than two million dollars.' 'A minimum of' sounds more official and precise; you will see it on forms, contracts, and instructions: 'A minimum of three references is required.' 'At the minimum' is close to 'a minimum of' but feels slightly more conversational. 'Not under' is the least common and mainly used with ages or prices in formal notices: 'Not under 18 years of age.' For most situations, 'at least' is the right choice — the others add nuance when you need it.

no less thana minimum ofat the minimumnot under

Etymology

First known use

12th century

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1