I.least [Brit liːst, Am list] superlative of little
ADJ When the least is used as an adjective followed by a noun to mean the smallest quantity of it is translated by le moins de: to have the least food = avoir le moins de nourriture.
But when the least is used as an adjective to mean the slightest it is translated by le or la moindre: I haven't the least idea = je n'en ai pas la moindre idée.
For examples of these and particular usages see I. below.
For translations of least as a pronoun or adverb see II. and III. below.
The phrase at least is usually translated by au moins.
For examples and exceptions see IV. below.
For the phrase in the least see V. below.
- (the) least (in negative constructions)