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Lest vs. Least — What's the Difference?

Lest vs. Least — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Lest and Least

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Lest

For fear that
Tiptoed lest the guard should hear her.
Anxious lest he become ill.

Least

Lowest in importance or rank.

Lest

So that someone or something not; in case someone or something might
"Lest anyone forget, adolescence is purgatory" (Jon Pareles).

Least

Smallest in magnitude or degree.

Lest

For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.
He won’t go outside, lest he be eaten by those ravenous eagles.
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Least

Slightest or tiniest
Didn't care the least bit.

Lest

(after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension) that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.)
There was danger lest the plan become known.
I am afraid lest I revealed too much.

Least

To or in the lowest or smallest degree.

Lest

To listen.

Least

One that is the lowest or smallest in importance, rank, magnitude, or degree
The dinner menu is the least of my worries tonight. The least you can do is to be polite.

Lest

Lust; desire; pleasure.

Least

The most little; the smallest amount or quantity of something.
He earns the least money in his family.
Of all the sisters, she has the least patience.
Can only afford to pay the least of the bills.
I'm giving (the) least of all towards her present.

Lest

Last; least.

Least

Used for forming superlatives of adjectives, especially those that do not form the superlative by adding -est.
It was the least surprising thing.

Lest

For fear that; that . . . not; in order that . . . not.
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Least

In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others.
To reward those who least deserve it
I never hid the truth, least of all from you.
I don't much like housework, and I like cooking least.

Lest

That (without the negative particle); - after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension.
I fearedLest I might anger thee.

Least

(philosophy) Something of the smallest possible extent; an indivisible unit.

Lest

For fear that;
She tiptoed lest her mother should hear her

Least

Superlative of little; smallest
Least weasel
Least common multiple

Lest

That (after verbs explicitly expressing fear etc.);
He worried lest he should be late

Least

Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant; as, the least insect; the least mercy; the least space.
I am the least of the apostles.
He who tempts, though in vain, at least aspersesThe tempted with dishonor.
Upon the mast they saw a young man, at least if he were a man, who sat as on horseback.

Least

In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others; as, to reward those who least deserve it.

Least

The superlative of `little' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by `the'; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree;
Didn't care the least bit
He has the least talent of anyone

Least

Minimal in magnitude;
Lowest wages
The least amount of fat allowed
The smallest amount

Least

Having or being distinguished by diminutive size;
The least bittern

Least

Used to form the superlative;
The garter snake is the least dangerous snake

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