How to Pronounce Least

To pronounce "least", say LEAST — one syllable, IPA /list/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

least

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/list/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “least”

"least" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with beast and ceased, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: leased — easy to mix up when writing.

What does least mean?

noun

  1. Something of the smallest possible extent; an indivisible unit.

adverb

  1. Used for forming superlatives of adjectives, especially those that do not form the superlative by adding -est.

    “It was the least surprising thing.”

  2. In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others.

    “They travel the least of all.”

Antonyms

most

Hear “least” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with least

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

beastceaseddeceasedcreasedincreaseddecreasedpolicedyeastleasedgreasedtrendiestsoutheast

Related words

minimalminimumsmalllowestslightestsmallestequallyeven

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "least"?▾

"Least" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "least"?▾

The IPA transcription of "least" is /list/.

What does "least" mean?▾

Least: Something of the smallest possible extent; an indivisible unit.

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