at least
As a minimum
At least sets a minimum threshold while leaving open the possibility of more.
It can quantify at least ten people showed up or qualify at least she tried.
When softening a statement, it concedes a point while implying limitations: Well, at least the weather was nice.
The phrase often carries an undertone of modest expectation or consolation, acknowledging that while something may not be ideal, it meets some baseline standard.
- minimumSmallest possible quantity
- lower limitSmallest permitted amount
- floorIndoor walking surface
- sufficientMeeting minimum requirements
- acceptableMeeting minimum standards
no less than · adequate · baseline · enough · threshold · reassurance · understatement · tolerable · satisfactory · benchmark · worst case scenario · reasonable · feasible · if nothing else · on the bright side · anyway · rock-bottom · bread
at leastat worst
In the bleakest scenario
at best · unfortunately · if anything · regrettably · sadly