least cross

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least cross" is not standard or commonly used in written English.
It may be intended to convey a sense of minimal annoyance or anger, but it lacks clarity and context for effective communication. Example: "Out of all the options, I was the least cross about the decision made."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Or at least cross.

The New York Times

Here, hijackers from all four of the flights were able to meet, or at least cross paths, in the months before the attacks.

The New York Times

Finally, network was achieved with the least cross validation error for Co-based amorphous ribbons.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Combined with Trulia's existing data about things like commute times and local crime, if nothing else, you can at least cross a few areas off your list with this.

TechCrunch

I decided -- pain or no pain -- to sit up, run some fingers through my matted hair, and, at the very least, cross my legs delicately at the ankle -- even if it felt like I was giving birth to Balrog triplets.

Huffington Post

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everywhere you look within the public at the Olympics or other sporting events, people at the very least cross their hands in their lap.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They incorporate set-up photography, performance art, cross-dressing (or at least cross-wigging) and serial nudity.

The New York Times - Arts

The strongest thematic division is Waist Up/Waist Down because here there is the least cross-over.

The Economist

And while shabby compromises in Poland and France don't inspire much confidence, at least cross-border deals are going ahead in some form.

The New York Times

We contend that even simple validation exercises that would at least cross-match any given structure connection table with the depositor's synonyms, SMILES or InChIs would have had an overall positive influence on data quality.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The startup is reaching for the (asymptotic?) goal of universal, or at least cross-platform, task management, as professionals and businesses want (and need) to create and store tasks across platforms, devices, and services — from email and IMs to voicemails and notes.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, particularly in technical contexts, ensure that using "least cross" accurately reflects the intended meaning of minimal intersection or overlap. Consider whether more conventional terms like "minimal overlap" or "lowest interference" might improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "least cross" as a general descriptor for minimal opposition or disagreement in non-technical contexts. It's often misinterpreted, so opt for clearer alternatives like "least resistance" or "minimal conflict" to ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least cross" functions primarily as a descriptor, typically used in technical or scientific contexts to denote a minimal level of intersection or conflict. However, as indicated by Ludwig AI, its general use is not standard, thus limiting its applicability in broader contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least cross" is a descriptor that is mostly confined to technical and scientific contexts. It aims to convey minimal levels of intersection, conflict, or interference. While potentially useful in specialized fields, its non-standard usage in everyday language, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, makes it prone to misinterpretation. For broader communication, it is advisable to use more common and clearer alternatives, such as "minimal overlap" or "least interference". When considering frequency across authoritative sources, it appears uncommonly in the scientific field and news media. Therefore, using "least cross" requires careful consideration of the intended audience and context to ensure clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal intersection

Emphasizes the lack of overlapping elements, suitable in technical or abstract contexts.

lowest interference

Highlights the absence of disturbance or obstruction, applicable in technical or interpersonal situations.

smallest overlap

Focuses on the reduced extent of commonality or sharing between entities.

negligible conflict

Indicates a very small amount of discord or disagreement.

minimal clash

Highlights the reduced friction or opposition between ideas or forces.

least disagreement

Focuses on the minimal level of dissent or divergence.

minimum opposition

Stresses the lowest degree of resistance or conflict.

slightest divergence

Highlights a very small deviation or difference.

lowest degree of conflict

Focuses on a reduced intensity of opposing forces or ideas.

minor contradiction

Indicates a small inconsistency or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "least cross" in a sentence?

The phrase "least cross" is best used in technical or scientific contexts to indicate minimal intersection or overlap. In general conversation, consider alternatives like "least annoyed" or "least upset".

What is a better way to say "least cross" in everyday language?

In everyday language, it's more common to use phrases like "least annoyed", "least bothered", or "least concerned", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "least cross" or "least crossing"?

While "least crossing" can refer to a minimal number of intersections, "least cross" is less commonly used and can sound awkward. It is better to opt for phrases like "minimal overlap" or "minimal intersection".

What's the difference between "least cross" and "minimal overlap"?

"Minimal overlap" is a clearer and more widely understood phrase than "least cross", which is more technical and can be confusing. Use "minimal overlap" to describe a reduced extent of commonality or sharing between entities.