‘At Least’ or ‘Atleast’:How to Spell it Correctly?

Do you need to know whether 'at least' or 'atleast' is correct? You will learn the answer here!

This is the short answer if you are in a hurry. 

• 'At least' is grammatically correct. 
• 'Atleast' is a grammatical error that you should avoid using. 

If you want to learn more about why the first term is correct and the second is an error, keep reading this guide with definitions, examples, writing tips, and sample sentences.

What is the Correct Spelling, 'At Least' or 'Atleast?'

Many people are unsure whether the correct spelling is 'at least' or 'atleast' because the term is a conjunction. Some conjunctions are joined, but there are also hyphenated and open conjunctions.

A conjunction is a term that you create by joining two or more words. In this case, 'at least' is an open conjunction which means that it is two separate words.

You never join these words to create a single word. Therefore, 'atleast' is a spelling error.

Definition of 'At Least': What Does 'At Least' Mean?

Some dictionaries include the definition of 'at least' while others don't. To gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of the term, we will look at the definitions associated with the words that create this conjunction and the conjunction as a whole.

Definition of 'At'

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'at' is a preposition that means:

• A function word used to show the presence of something in, on, or near something
• A function word used to show the goal of an implied or indicated motion or action
• A function word used to show a place someone occupies or is employed at
• A function word used to show that a situation is in an active or passive state
• A function word used to indicate the manner means, or cause of something
• A function word used to show a degree, position, or rate in a scale or series
• A function word that shows a position in time or the age of something

Definition of 'Least'

The same defines 'least' as an adjective that means:

• The lowest in position or importance
• The smallest size or degree
• Being distinguished by diminutive size
• The slightest or smallest possible

'Least' can also be a noun that means:

• One that is the smallest or least

'Least' can also be a verb that means:

• Done in the lowest or smallest degree

Definition of 'At Least'

The Oxford Dictionary defines 'at least' as a phrase that means:

• Anyway
• At the minimum or not less than
• If nothing else

Synonyms and Similar Phrases to 'At Least'

If you are writing professionally, knowing the synonyms of a term is beneficial. Synonyms are terms you can use interchangeably, and they help to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

So, here are some synonyms and similar phrases to 'at least.'

• Anyway
• At a minimum
• Not less than
• No less than
• At the minimum
• More than
• At rock-bottom
• As a conservative estimate

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'At Least'

When learning the meaning and spelling of words, ensuring you know how to pronounce them is a good idea.

So, here is a quick pronunciation guide you can reference.

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'at least':

at lēst

Writing Tips: When and How to Use 'At Least'

You learned this term's correct spelling, definition, and pronunciation, but you may still be wondering how and when to use it. So, here are some tips.

• Use 'at least' to say at a minimum.

For example, you could say:

If you can't go with me at least let me know early so I can find someone else to go. 

• Use 'at least'  to modify something previously stated to mean anyway. 

As an example, I might say:

He was not guilty of the crime heinous crimes he was accused of committing on his 21st birthday, in court at least. 

Sample Sentences Using 'At Least' or 'Atleast'

When you are learning the correct spelling of a term, it is beneficial to see the term used in various ways. So, read through these sentences. Because the more you see the correct spelling, the easier it will be to remember it.

At Least

• At least you can meet the team and see where you will work when you start your new job.
• We didn't have the best time on our latest journies, but at least we got to meet new people and experience new places.
• You should not complain to the waitstaff's manager, at least not for small things, because you could cause someone to lose their job for a stupid reason.
• It is unkind to give harsh input, at least in front of others.
• At least you learned who she was before you got married.
• You need to protect yourself, at least when you are out alone.
• You can at least you can write a low-content book on the subject.
• Can you at least call her and explain that her order will not be ready until next week? I don't want her to arrive to pick it up and have to tell her that we have not finished it yet.

Final Review: 'At Least' or 'Atleast'

Finally, look at this recap of what you learned in this lesson about whether 'at least' or 'atleast' is the correct spelling. 

• 'At least' is the correct spelling of the popular conjunction that means at a minimum. 
• 'Atleast' is a common misspelling of this term. 

I hope that after reading this lesson you remember the spelling of this popular English term. However, you do not have to worry if you don't.

You can always return to this page to review this lesson. You can also verify the meaning of dozens of other frequently misused, mispronounced, and misspelled terms here.

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