At Least (Adverb)
Meaning 1
If nothing else (`leastwise' is informal and `leastways' is colloquial); "at least he survived"; "they felt--at any rate Jim felt--relieved though still wary"; "the influence of economists--or at any rate of economics--is far-reaching".
Examples
- She didn't enjoy the movie, but at least the popcorn was good.
- The company didn't make a profit, at least they didn't lose money.
- At least the hotel room was clean, even if the service was poor.
- The storm caused significant damage, but at least no one was injured.
- The new policy has its drawbacks, but at least it's a step in the right direction.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Not less than; "at least two hours studying the manual"; "a tumor at least as big as an orange".
Examples
- The hotel room was at least as clean as I had expected.
- She has been working at least eight hours a day for the past week.
- The company requires applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree.
- The new policy will affect at least a thousand employees in the company.
- The ancient tree was at least a hundred years old.