Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

at the (very) least

idiom

Definition of at the (very) least

—used to indicate the least thing that is true, acceptable, desirable, or certain to happen
  • He wanted to win the race, or at the least, to finish second.
  • It will change your life or, at the very least, teach you something new.
  • At the very least, she deserves to be heard.

Word by Word Definitions

very play

  1. : to a high degree : exceedingly

  2. : in actual fact : truly

  1. : exact, precise

  2. : exactly suitable or necessary

  3. : unqualified, sheer

See the full definition of very
least play

  1. : superlative of little:1

  2. : lowest in importance or position

  3. : smallest in size or degree

  1. : one that is least

  1. : superlative of little:2

  2. : in the smallest or lowest degree

See the full definition of least

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up at the (very) least? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games