at least (English)

Where does "at least" come from?

The English phrase 'at least' traces its lineage from Old English 'æt lǣstan'[1]. Through the Middle English period, it developed into 'at leste'[1], eventually settling into its modern form while preserving its ancient roots denoting a lower limit or an alternative perspective.

Full etymology tree

• at least (English), 'At a minimum or lower limit.'
  • inherited at leste (Middle English)
    • inherited æt lǣstan (Old English)

Sources

1. at least (English) - Wiktionary

Updated August 2026

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Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris