let
verb · noun
Simple meaning
To allow to, not to prevent.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
lehtIPA pronunciation (US)
ˈlɛt
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
verb
transitive
To allow to, not to prevent (+ infinitive, but usually without to).
transitive
To allow to be or do without interference; to not disturb or meddle with; to leave alone.
transitive
To allow the release of (a fluid).
transitivechiefly british
To allow possession of (a property etc.) in exchange for rent.
transitive
To give, grant, or assign, as a work, privilege, or contract; often with out.
Actively cause something to happen
“I let it be known that I was not interested.”
noun
The allowing of possession of a property etc. in exchange for rent.
An obstacle or hindrance.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- A1 · Beginner
- Frequency
- Very Common
- Typical Use
- Everyday English
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: To allow to, not to prevent (+ infinitive, but usually without to).
Used this way, let is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- No strong connotation
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use let
- “I let it be known that I was not interested.”verb
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Common Patterns and Combinations
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.