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lest
[ lest ]
/ lɛst /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
conjunction
for fear that; so that (one) should not (used negatively to introduce a clause expressive of an action or occurrence requiring caution): He kept his notes by his side lest faulty memory lead him astray.
that (used after words expressing fear, danger, etc.): There was danger lest the plan become known.
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Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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Origin of lest
before 1000; Middle English leste, contraction of the lesse the, thi les the;late Old English the lǣste, earlier thȳ lǣs the, literally, whereby less that (thȳ instrumental case of the demonstrative and relative pronoun, lǣsless, the relative particle)
Words nearby lest
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use lest in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for lest
lest
/ (lɛst) /
conjunction (subordinating; takes should or a subjunctive verb)
so as to prevent any possibility thathe fled the country lest he be captured and imprisoned
(after verbs or phrases expressing fear, worry, anxiety, etc) for fear that; in casehe was alarmed lest she should find out
Word Origin for lest
Old English the lǣste, earlier thӯ lǣs the, literally: whereby less that
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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