lest Meaning & Definition
What Does Lest Mean?
Lest is a conjunction that means For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case. It can also mean that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.).
Lest: Key Facts
| Part of speech | conjunction |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //lɛst// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | before |
Lest Definition (Conjunction)
- For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.
He won't go outside, lest he be eaten by those ravenous eagles.
- that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.)
There was danger/alarm lest the plan become known.
Conjunction
- (after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension) that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.)
I am afraid lest I revealed too much.
Synonyms of Lest
Lest synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Lest
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Lest in a Sentence
He won't go outside, lest he be eaten by those ravenous eagles.
I brought my notes lest faulty memory lead me astray.
There was danger/alarm lest the plan become known.
I am afraid lest I revealed too much.
He won’t go outside, lest he be eaten by those ravenous eagles.
Word Forms & Grammar
lest
Words That Rhyme With Lest
Origin of Lest
c. 1200, contracted from Middle English les te (“less that”), from Old English þȳ lǣs þe (“whereby less that”), from þȳ (instrumental case of demonstrative article þæt (“that”)) + lǣs (“less”) + þe (“that,” relative particle). The þȳ was dropped and the remaining two words contracted into leste.[1]
How to Pronounce Lest
The standard pronunciation of lest is //lɛst//, spoken in 1 syllable.