Leastwise: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
leastwise
[ หliหstwaษชz ]
in some sense
The term 'leastwise' is often used in informal settings to indicate that something is true to a certain extent or at the very least. It can serve to soften a statement or to introduce an alternative perspective that is lesser but still valid. This word is synonymous with 'at least' or 'at any rate'. 'Leastwise' tends to be used mainly in British English.
Synonyms
at any rate, at least, least of all
Examples of usage
- You didn't win the race, but leastwise you tried your best.
- It's a difficult task, but leastwise we have some idea of what to do.
- She may not be here, but leastwise she called to check in.
- His performance wasn't perfect, but leastwise it was better than last time.
Translations
Translations of the word "leastwise" in other languages:
๐ต๐น pelo menos
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฎ เคธเฅ เคเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช mindestens
๐ฎ๐ฉ setidaknya
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะฐะนะผะตะฝัะต
๐ต๐ฑ najmniej
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฐใชใใจใ
๐ซ๐ท au moins
๐ช๐ธ al menos
๐น๐ท en az
๐ฐ๐ท ์ต์ํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุนูู ุงูุฃูู
๐จ๐ฟ alespoล
๐ธ๐ฐ aspoล
๐จ๐ณ ่ณๅฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ vsaj
๐ฎ๐ธ aรฐ minnsta kosti
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะตาฃ ะบะตะผั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ษn azฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ al menos
Etymology
The word 'leastwise' is formed from 'least', which is derived from Old English 'lวฃst', meaning 'least or smallest', and the suffix '-wise', indicating manner or regard. This compound form has been used since the late Middle Ages, where it appeared predominantly in British dialects. Over time, it evolved to signify not just the minimal state of something, but also a leniency in assessing situations or outcomes. The use of 'leastwise' captures a balance between resignation and acceptance, making it a versatile addition to conversational English despite its relatively specific regional use.