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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Lest

lɛst
Very common
~ 1800
~ 1800, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
In order to prevent any possibility that something will happen; for fear that, So that not, In case

Lest - Meanings

In order to prevent any possibility that something will happen; for fear that

Example: She left early lest she miss the train.
Usage: formalContext: written or formal speech
Note: Often used in formal or literary contexts to express precaution or to avoid a negative consequence.

So that not

Example: He tiptoed quietly lest he wake the baby.
Usage: formalContext: formal or literary settings
Note: Can be used to indicate an action taken to prevent a negative outcome.

In case

Example: She packed an umbrella lest it rain.
Usage: formalContext: written or formal speech
Note: Used to express preparation for a possible situation.

Lest's synonyms

for fear that

For fear that is used to express the reason for taking a precautionary action to avoid something undesirable.
Example: He left early for fear that he would miss the train.
Note: For fear that emphasizes the reason behind the precaution, similar to lest, but with a slightly different tone.

to avoid

To avoid is used to show the intention or purpose of an action to prevent a negative outcome.
Example: She studied hard to avoid failing the exam.
Note: To avoid focuses on the intention of preventing something undesirable, similar to lest, but without the sense of caution or fear.

Lest expressions, common phrases

lest we forget

This phrase is used to emphasize the importance of remembering something, usually a lesson or historical event, so as not to repeat past mistakes.
Example: We must always honor the sacrifices made by our ancestors, lest we forget the hardships they endured.
Note: The addition of 'we forget' changes the meaning from just 'lest,' which means 'for fear that' or 'in case.'

lest I forget

Used to express the speaker's intention to remember to do something, indicating a reminder or caution to oneself.
Example: I need to pick up some milk at the store, lest I forget.
Note: Similar to 'lest we forget,' the addition of 'I forget' personalizes the statement and emphasizes personal responsibility.

take care lest

This phrase is a cautionary warning, advising someone to be careful or cautious in order to avoid a negative consequence.
Example: Take care lest you fall on the slippery floor.
Note: The phrase 'take care lest' combines the idea of caution ('take care') with the potential negative outcome ('lest').

lest anyone think

Used to prevent a particular interpretation or assumption by making a clarification or providing additional information.
Example: I clarified my words, lest anyone think I was being disrespectful.
Note: The inclusion of 'anyone think' specifies the audience for the caution, focusing on avoiding a specific misunderstanding or judgment.

lest we be judged

Expresses the idea that one should avoid criticizing or condemning others to prevent facing similar criticism or judgment.
Example: Let us refrain from passing judgment on others, lest we be judged in return.
Note: The phrase 'lest we be judged' highlights the reciprocity of judgment, suggesting that one's actions may lead to similar consequences.

Lest everyday (slang) expressions

lest you

An informal way of saying 'or else you will' or 'if you do not.'
Example: Better hurry up lest you miss the bus.
Note: It is a more colloquial and shortened form compared to using 'lest' alone.

lest we

Used in a casual manner to indicate a possible negative consequence if something is not done.
Example: Let's turn off the lights lest we wake the baby.
Note: It adds a more personal touch compared to the more formal use of 'lest'.

lest something

Implies 'in order to prevent something from happening'.
Example: Lend me your jacket, lest I freeze in this cold weather.
Note: It is a more direct and modern way of expressing precaution compared to the traditional use of 'lest'.

lest he/she/they

Introduces a possibility of something unwanted happening.
Example: She double-checked the address lest she got lost.
Note: It is a more relaxed and conversational form of expressing an apprehension compared to using 'lest'.

Lest - Examples

He was caught in the act of stealing.
She peeked through the window to spy on her neighbors.
The detective kept a watchful eye on the suspect.

Lest grammar

Lest - Adposition (Adposition) / Preposition or subordinating conjunction (Preposition or subordinating conjunction)
Lemma: lest
Conjugations
Syllables, Separation and Stress
lest Contains 1 syllables: lest
Phonetic transcription: ˈlest
lest , ˈlest (The red syllable is stressed)

Lest - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
lest: ~ 1800 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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