almeno

Almeno is an Italian adverb meaning at least or even, used to indicate a minimum, to soften a statement, or to express consolation. It can introduce a clause or modify a phrase, and it often appears in everyday speech to set a lower bound or to emphasize a positive aspect amid a negative one.

Origin and development of the term are not definitively settled. Most linguists derive almin from a combination of the preposition a and the adjective meno (less), suggesting a sense of reaching to the lesser bound. Over time, the word acquired a broader, fixed use as a standalone adverb meaning at least, even, or to the minimum degree expected in a given context.

Usage and placement

Almeno is invariable and can appear before the verb, before a clause, or at the start of a sentence. It commonly introduces a contrasting or compensatory idea. Examples:

- È arrivato in ritardo, ma almeno è venuto. (He arrived late, but at least he came.)

- Non ho trovato tutto, ma almeno ho trovato qualcosa. (I didn’t find everything, but at least I found something.)

- Dobbiamo fare una cosa, almeno una; non possiamo lasciare tutto così. (We must do something, at least one thing.)

- Almeno possiamo risparmiare tempo. (At least we can save time.)

Almeno can also appear with numerals to express a minimum quantity: al meno due volte, al minimo tre ore.

Synonyms and related expressions

Per lo meno and perlomeno are close in meaning; quantomeno is slightly more formal or emphatic.

See also

Quantomeno, perlomeno, per lo meno, connettivi avverbiali italiani.