let

let

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "let" is /lɛt/.

• /lɛt/

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Word Form Variations

• Verb: let (base form, past simple, past participle), lets (third person singular present), letting (present participle)

• Noun: let (singular), lets (plural) - Note: The noun form is less common in everyday language and often relates to specific contexts like sports or renting.

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Verb

• Definition 1: To allow or permit (someone or something) to do something.

• Synonyms: permit, allow, authorize, grant, enable

• Antonyms: forbid, prevent, prohibit, stop, hinder

• Definition 2: To cause to happen; to make possible for something to occur.

• Synonyms: cause, enable, facilitate, allow for

• Antonyms: impede, obstruct, block, thwart

• Definition 3: To rent out (property or space).

• Synonyms: rent, lease, hire out, sublet

• Antonyms: buy, acquire, occupy (as owner)

• Definition 4: (Followed by "down") To disappoint; to fail to support or assist.

• Synonyms: disappoint, betray, fail, abandon

• Antonyms: support, uphold, assist, encourage

• Definition 5: (Used in imperatives or with "us" to express a suggestion or command) To propose or urge an action.

• Synonyms: (Implied suggestion: "suggest we," "propose that we")

• Antonyms: (Implied discouragement: "discourage," "advise against")

Noun

• Definition 1: (In sports, especially tennis or squash) A stoppage of play caused by a minor interference, requiring the point or serve to be replayed.

• Synonyms: replay, hinder (in the context of causing a let)

• Antonyms: point, score, fault

• Definition 2: (Archaic or formal) An obstacle or hindrance.

• Synonyms: hindrance, impediment, obstruction, barrier

• Antonyms: aid, help, assistance, facilitation

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "He would not let her go, holding her hand firmly as the crowd surged past." (Fictional example from a romance novel)

• "The constitution of the nascent nation would not let any single branch of government accrue too much power." (From a historical or political science text)

• "The old woman decided to let the upstairs apartment to a quiet student for the summer." (From a novel describing housing arrangements)

Newspapers:

• "The central bank decided to let interest rates remain unchanged for the third consecutive quarter." ("Business Daily Africa,")

• "Protesters vowed not to let up their demonstrations until their demands were met." ("The Daily Nation,")

• "The property market is seeing a surge in demand for affordable apartments to let." ("The Standard,")

Online Publications:

• "How to let go of past regrets and embrace a more positive future." (An article on a self-help blog, e.g., "Psychology Today Online,")

• "Google's new policy will let users customize their privacy settings more easily." (A tech news report on "The Verge,")

• "The landlord decided to let the flat furnished, targeting young professionals." (A real estate listing description on "Property24.co.ke,")

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: "Just let me explain!" (Common dialogue in a dramatic or conflict scene, e.g., "The Dark Knight")

• Television Series: "I won't let anything happen to you, I promise." (A protective character's line in an action or adventure series, e.g., "The Mandalorian")

• Song Lyrics: "Let it be, let it be, speaking words of wisdom, let it be." (From The Beatles' song "Let It Be")

• Video Games: "Do you let the prisoner go, or do you punish him?" (A moral choice presented to the player, e.g., "Mass Effect")

• Podcasts: "Our guest today will let us in on some behind-the-scenes secrets of the film industry." (A podcast host introducing an interview, e.g., "The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter")

General Public Discourse:

• "Let's go grab some coffee, I'm exhausted." (A casual suggestion to a friend)

• "Can you let the dog out, please?" (A request to a family member)

• "Don't let that mistake define you; learn from it and move on." (Giving advice or encouragement)

• "The tennis player called for a let after the ball clipped the net." (A comment during a tennis match)

• "They decided to let the old house fall into disrepair rather than renovate it." (Discussing a property decision)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Let

1. "Let there be light!" (Genesis 1:3, King James Version)

2. "Let them eat cake." (Often attributed to Marie Antoinette, though likely apocryphal)

3. "Let freedom ring." (Martin Luther King Jr., "I Have a Dream" speech, 1963)

4. "Let a hundred flowers blossom, let a hundred schools of thought contend." (Mao Zedong, 1957)

5. "Let justice be done, though the heavens fall." (A legal maxim, attributed to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, 1st century BCE)

6. "Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow's reality." (Malala Yousafzai, acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize, 2014)

7. "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." (Babe Ruth)

8. "Just let me be myself, that's all I ask." (From a variety of songs and literature, expressing a desire for authenticity)

9. "Don't let anyone ever dull your sparkle." (Attributed to various sources, a popular motivational quote)

10. "Let's roll!" (Todd Beamer, on United Airlines Flight 93, September 11, 2001)

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Etymology

The word "let" actually has a couple of different origins, which is why it has several different meanings today!

1. "Let" meaning to Allow/Permit or to Rent:

• This is the most common use of "let." It comes from the Old English word lǣtan.

• Lǣtan had a meaning very similar to "to allow" or "to permit," but also "to cause to go" or "to leave."

• The first known use in English with the meaning of "to allow" or "to permit" dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). So, it's a very old word in this sense!

• The meaning of "to rent out property" developed from the idea of "allowing" someone to use your property in exchange for payment.

2. "Let" meaning an Obstacle (as in a tennis "let"):

• This is a less common meaning today, mostly found in sports like tennis. This "let" comes from a different Old English word, lettian or lettan.

• Lettian meant "to hinder," "to impede," or "to delay."

• The first known use of "let" in this sense (as an obstacle or hindrance) also dates back to before the 9th century.

• It's a bit of a quirk of the English language that these two different words, with opposite meanings (one to allow, one to hinder), ended up looking and sounding exactly the same!

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Let

Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "let":

• Let go: To release something or someone; to stop holding on to something, literally or figuratively.

• Let down: To disappoint or fail someone.

• Let up: To stop or decrease in intensity (e.g., of rain or effort).

• Let off the hook: To allow someone to escape punishment or a difficult situation.

• Let out: To allow to exit; to emit (a sound); to make a garment larger.

• Let it be: To allow a situation to remain as it is, without interference.

• Let well enough alone: To avoid interfering with something that is already satisfactory, for fear of making it worse.

• Let rip: To allow something to proceed without restraint; to speak or act without inhibition.

• Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret, usually by accident. (Synonym for "divulge information")

• Let sleeping dogs lie: To avoid bringing up old issues or conflicts that might cause trouble. (Synonym for "avoid stirring up trouble")

• Let one's hair down: To relax and behave in a less formal or inhibited way. (Synonym for "unwind")

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of let from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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