least completely different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least completely different" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express that something is the least dissimilar among a group, but it is awkwardly phrased. Example: "Among all the options presented, this one is the least completely different from our original plan."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The potential neurobiological correlate of such a strategy was at least completely different from the one of the collectivistic strategy, i.e. the involvement of a subcortical limbic structure in contrast to a network of cortical association regions.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It also means that we have to be familiar with different research approaches and points of view, and the best way to acquire such familiarity is to work with at least two completely different supervisors.

Science Magazine

Instead, alternate sled dog/running training with at least 2 other completely different sports, like disc dog ( lots of jumping ), agility ( jumping and sprinting ), swimming, etc.

WikiHow

I'm still wondering about that, not least because I was a completely different person then.

The Guardian - Arts

We can recreate it nowadays, but our cultural milieu, at least in the west, is completely different.

The Guardian

Tiaras and dolls can be played with only in one way – they can't be pulled apart and turned into something completely different (at least, not more than once).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Patients then rehearse the new dream, which could be a less haunting version of the nightmare or a completely different dream, at least once a day for 10 or 20 minutes.

The New York Times - Science

Thus, these two studies included completely different patients, which could at least in part explain the differences.

Annals of Intensive Care

The two productions will be completely different, he says – not least because he himself has matured.

The Guardian

I found at least 2 such lists, and the codes they provided for a Panasonic TV were completely different.

WikiHow

"I'm completely different.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "least completely different", ensure that the context clearly indicates a comparison between multiple options, and that this specific phrasing is the most suitable way to express the nuanced degree of difference.

Common error

Avoid using "least completely different" when a simpler term like "similar" or "slightly different" would be more appropriate and less redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least completely different" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing the degree to which something diverges from another. While understandable, Ludwig AI analysis suggests it's not a standard or preferred phrasing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least completely different" is used to express that something shares most of the qualities of something else, while acknowledging that differences exist. Ludwig AI analysis points out that the phrase is grammatically acceptable but awkwardly worded, so it's important to consider if alternative phrasing could convey the same meaning with greater clarity. While the phrase appears in a variety of sources, including scientific publications and news media, it is relatively rare. When using "least completely different", it's crucial to ensure that the context necessitates such specific phrasing, or whether simpler terms such as "most similar" or "slightly different" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimally dissimilar

Emphasizes a small degree of difference.

slightly divergent

Indicates a minor deviation.

hardly distinct

Focuses on the lack of clear distinction.

nominally different

Suggests a difference in name only.

barely distinguishable

Highlights the difficulty in telling the difference.

marginally altered

Implies a slight change or modification.

somewhat analogous

Suggests a degree of similarity.

faintly contrasting

Highlights a subtle contrast.

comparatively similar

Indicates relative likeness.

not entirely dissimilar

Suggests a partial likeness or overlapping qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "least completely different" in a sentence?

You can use "least completely different" to describe an option that, among several, is the one that deviates the least from a standard or previous state. For example: "Among the proposed changes, this option is the "least completely different" from our original plan."

What is a better alternative to "least completely different"?

Alternatives include "slightly different", "minimally dissimilar", or "most similar", depending on the desired nuance.

Is the phrase "least completely different" grammatically correct?

While grammatically understandable, "least completely different" is awkwardly phrased and not standard English. Simpler alternatives are typically preferred for clarity.

What does "least completely different" imply about the options being compared?

It implies that while there are differences among the options, the one described as "least completely different" shares the most characteristics or qualities with the original or reference point.