let
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for let, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To allow someone or something to do a particular thing, or to happen without stopping it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use let
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English laetan, "to allow, leave, or bequeath," a very old Germanic verb related to German lassen.
Full origin of let →Frequently asked questions
What does “let” mean?
The word “let” means to allow someone or something to do a particular thing, or to happen without stopping it. In plain terms, to allow something, or (in British English) to rent out property.
How do you pronounce “let”?
“Let” is pronounced leht (/lɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “let” in a sentence?
Here is “let” used in a sentence: “My parents wouldn't let me stay out past midnight.”
What is another word for “let”?
Words with a similar meaning to “let” include allow and permit.
What part of speech is “let”?
Depending on how it is used, “let” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “let” come from?
The word “let” comes from Old English. From Old English laetan, "to allow, leave, or bequeath," a very old Germanic verb related to German lassen.
Is “let” a common word?
“Let” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “let” have?
“Let” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to allow someone or something to do a particular thing, or to happen without stopping it.
What is the difference between 'let' and 'allow'?
Both mean to give permission, but they behave differently. 'Let' is more informal and is followed by a bare verb — 'let him go'. 'Allow' is a little more formal and takes 'to' — 'allow him to go'. In careful or official writing, 'allow' and 'permit' are often preferred.
What is the difference between 'let' and 'leave'?
These are sometimes confused in the phrase 'let me alone' versus 'leave me alone'. 'Leave' means to go away from or stop bothering someone; 'let' means to allow. 'Leave me alone' is the standard way to ask not to be disturbed, though 'let me be' carries a similar meaning.
What is the past tense of 'let'?
'Let' does not change form: the past tense and past participle are also 'let'. So you say 'yesterday she let me drive' and 'he had let it slide'. This makes it one of many English verbs whose base and past forms are spelt exactly the same.
Is 'let' formal or informal?
'Let' is neutral to informal and extremely common in everyday speech, as in 'let me help' or 'let it go'. It is not slang and is perfectly acceptable in most writing, but in formal or legal contexts 'permit' or 'allow' often sounds more appropriate.