Pelo menos
Example: Eu preciso estudar pelo menos uma hora por dia.
Definition
"Pelo menos" is an adverbial phrase used to indicate a minimum amount, degree, or number, often implying that something should happen or exist at the very least. For example, it means doing something for at least a certain period or quantity.
Etymology
The phrase "pelo menos" comes from Portuguese, combining "pelo" (a contraction of 'por' + 'o', meaning 'by the' or 'for the') and "menos" meaning 'less'. Together, they form a phrase that literally translates as 'by the least' or 'at least'. Did you know that this phrase is used similarly in many Romance languages to express minimum expectations?
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"Pelo menos" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 115 commonly used words.
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