least /ˈlist/
(a.)最小的,最少的;最不重要的,地位最低的(ad.)最小,最少,最不最小,最少
least
最少 最低 最小
Least, conj. See Lest, conj. [Obs.]
◄ ►
Least, adv. In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others; as, to reward those who least deserve it.
Least a. [Used as the superlative of little.] Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant; as, the least insect; the least mercy; the least space.
Note: ☞ Least is often used with the, as if a noun.
I am the least of the apostles. --1 Cor. xv. 9.
At least, or At the least, at the least estimate, consideration, chance, etc.; being no less than; hence, at any rate; at all events; even. See However.
He who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses
The tempted with dishonor. --Milton.
Upon the mast they saw a young man, at least if he were a man, who sat as on horseback. --Sir P. Sidney.
-- In least, or In the least, in the least degree, manner, etc. “He that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” --Luke xvi. 10.
Least squares Math., a method of deducing from a number of carefully made yet slightly discordant observations of a phenomenon the most probable values of the unknown quantities.
Note: It takes as its fundamental principle that the most probable values are those which make the sum of the squares of the residual errors of the observation a minimum.
least
adj 1: the superlative of `little' that can be used with mass nouns
and is usually preceded by `the'; a quantifier meaning
smallest in amount or extent or degree; "didn't care
the least bit"; "he has the least talent of anyone"
[syn: least(a)] [ant: most(a)]
2: minimal in magnitude; "lowest wages"; "the least amount of
fat allowed"; "the smallest amount" [syn: lowest, smallest]
3: having or being distinguished by diminutive size; "the least
bittern" [syn: littlest, smallest]
adv : used to form the superlative; "The garter snake is the least
dangerous snake" [syn: to the lowest degree] [ant: most]