at least

少なくとも、最低でも

示した数量や水準が下限で、実際にはそれ以上かもしれないことを表す。

やさしい英語で： The amount or level mentioned is the smallest possible; the real amount may be greater.

• We need at least two chairs.
• The journey took at least five hours.
• Have you read at least one of these books?

使い方： at least + number/amount (You need at least three people for this game.)

類義語： no less than, a minimum of

反対語： at most

よく使う表現： at least two, at least once, at least ten minutes, at least a hundred

少なくとも、せめて

全体として悪い状況の中で、よい点を取り上げる。

やさしい英語で： Used to point out something good in a situation that is otherwise bad.

• It rained, but at least we had fun.
• At least nobody was hurt in the crash.
• We missed the train, but at least we can have lunch.

類義語： anyway, in any case

よく使う表現： but at least, at least someone survived, at least something works

せめて、少なくとも

せめてこれだけはしてほしい、またはこの結果なら許せるという最低限を示す。

やさしい英語で： Used to name the smallest action or result that would be acceptable.

• You could at least say thanks.
• If you cannot help, at least listen.
• They should have at least warned us.

類義語： at a minimum, at the very least

よく使う表現： at least try, at least apologize, at least say thanks

少なくとも、ともかく

今言ったことを訂正したり、そこまで確かではないと示したりする。

やさしい英語で： Used to correct what you just said or show that you are less certain about it.

• She is happy, or at least she seems happy.
• It will be easy. At least, that is what I was told.
• Everyone agreed, or at least nobody objected.

類義語： at any rate, anyway

よく使う表現： or at least, at least probably, at least usually

いずれにせよ、ともかく

ほかのことがどうであっても、これから述べることは確かだと示す。

やさしい英語で： Used to say that your next point remains true whatever else may be true.

• Perhaps he forgot. At least, I sent him a reminder.
• They may disagree. At least, the decision has been made.
• I cannot explain her silence. At least, she received the letter.

類義語： anyway, in any event, at any rate

よく使う表現： at least someone knows, at least someone tried