let
leht
Let (verb) means to allow someone or something to do a particular thing, or to happen without stopping it. Example: “My parents wouldn't let me stay out past midnight.”
verb
1
To allow someone or something to do a particular thing, or to happen without stopping it.
"My parents wouldn't let me stay out past midnight."
"Let the dough rest for an hour before baking."
2
To rent out a property to a tenant.
"They decided to let the flat while they worked abroad."
noun
1
In tennis or similar sports, a serve that touches the net but still lands legally, requiring a replay.
"The umpire called a let, so the point was replayed."
How to use let
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo allow something, or (in British English) to rent out property.
UK vs US
In UK English, "let" is the everyday word for renting out a property ("let the flat"); American English tends to say "rent it out" instead.
Common pairings
let someone do something
let go
let alone
to let (a property)
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Word forms
- Plural
- lets
- Third person singular
- lets
- Past tense
- leet, letten, letted
- Archaic forms
- lettest, letteth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
My parents wouldn't _____ me stay out past midnight.
Etymology
From Old English laetan, "to allow, leave, or bequeath," a very old Germanic verb related to German lassen.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
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