Word · CEFR B1 · Frequency #2012
Least
最不；最少；最小程度
核心释义
used before an adjective, adverb, or verb to form the superlative, meaning 'to the smallest extent'
- 1.
用于构成最高级
used to form the superlative
用于构成最高级；最小；最少
用法In use
He is the least likely to arrive on time.
用法提示：least 作为副词修饰形容词 likely，构成最高级，表示“最不”
This method is the least efficient among all.
用法提示：least 作为副词修饰形容词 efficient，构成最高级，表示“最不”
She spoke the least confidently during the interview.
用法提示：least 作为副词修饰副词 confidently，构成最高级，表示“最不”
least + adjective/adverb
She is least likely to arrive late.
她最不可能迟到。
the least + adjective + noun/pronoun
He chose the least expensive option.
相关词与表达Connections
搭配Collocations
- least expensive
- 最便宜的
- This is the least expensive option.这是最便宜的选择。
- least likely
- 最不可能的
- He is the least likely person to complain.他是最不可能抱怨的人。
- least important
- 最不重要的
- That detail is the least important part of the plan.那个细节是计划中最不重要的部分。
- least known
- 最不为人知的
- She is one of the least known artists of her time.她是她那个时代最不为人知的艺术家之一。
- least understood
- 最不被理解的
学习提示Learner notes
记忆技巧Memory Tip
记忆联想：least 的拼写像 less（更少）的最高级，意思是‘最少/最不’，与 most（最多）相反。
语境与语域Context & Register
语域：neutral 常见场景：formal writing、everyday conversation least 作副词时通常用在形容词或副词前构成最高级，表示“最不……”。这个用法在口语和书面语中都比较常见，属于中性表达，一般不需要特意区分正式或非正式场合。
发音与拼写Pronunciation & Spelling
least、beast、east、feast、priest、yeast 都押 /iːst/ 韵。拼写注意：beast、east、feast、yeast 都含 east，priest 虽拼作 iest 但发音相同。注意 list /lɪst/ 形似但元音为短 /ɪ/，与 least 不押韵。
高价值词汇High-value vocabulary
该词属于 Oxford 核心词汇，值得优先掌握常见搭配和句型。
用法优先级Usage priority
Collins 词频等级为 5，建议结合例句记忆，而不是只背中文释义。
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, WIKTIONARY.