let

let · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Not prevent or forbid; allow.

  2. 2.

    Used in the imperative to express a request, proposal, or instruction.

  3. 3.

    Used to express an assumption or hypothesis.

  4. 4.

    Allow someone to use a room or property in exchange for payment.

  5. 5.

    Award a contract for a project.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    let alone — Not to mention; used to emphasize that something is even more unlikely.
  • •
    let go — Release; stop holding.
  • •
    let down — Disappoint; fail someone.
  • •
    let off — Excuse from punishment; release.
  • •
    let up — Become less intense.
  • •
    let in on — Share a secret with.
  • •
    let out — Release; make known.
  • •
    live and let live — Tolerate others' behavior.
  • •
    let sleeping dogs lie — Avoid stirring up trouble.

Related words

Antonyms: forbid, prevent, prohibit
See also: allow, leave, permit, rent
Synonyms: allow, enable, permit

Etymology

From Old English lætan ("to allow, leave, let go"), from Proto-Germanic lētaną. Related to German lassen and Dutch laten. The word originally meant "to allow to go" or "to leave."