adv. phr. 1. or at the least At the smallest guess; no fewer than; no less than. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. At least three students are failing in mathematics. Mr. Johnson must weigh 200 pounds at least.
Compare: ALL OF. 2. Whatever else you may say; anyhow; anyway. It was a clumsy move, but at least it saved her from getting hit. She broke her arm, but at least it wasn't the arm she writes with. The Mortons had fun at their picnic yesterday at least the children did they played while their parents cooked the food. He's not coming at least that's what he said.
Compare: AT ANY RATE.