Dictionary monolingual
English

Let

lɛt
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
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.

Let -

to allow or permit someone to do something

Example: She let her children play outside after they finished their homework.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: Commonly used to give permission or grant access

to rent or lease something to someone

Example: They let their apartment to a young couple for the summer.
Usage: formalContext: real estate or rental agreements
Note: Used in the context of property rental or leasing

to hinder or prevent someone from doing something

Example: Don't let fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
Usage: formal/informalContext: motivational speeches, advice
Note: Used to encourage or advise against allowing something negative to stop you

to cause or make something happen

Example: His reckless behavior let to serious consequences.
Usage: formalContext: describing cause and effect
Note: Used to show the result or consequence of an action

Let's synonyms

allow

To give permission or consent for something to happen.
Example: Please allow me to explain the situation.
Note: Similar to 'let' but may imply more formal or official permission.

permit

To officially allow or give permission for something to happen.
Example: The sign permits visitors to enter the premises.
Note: Similar to 'let' but often used in more formal contexts.

grant

To agree to give someone what they ask for or allow them to have it.
Example: The committee decided to grant her request for additional funding.
Note: Implies a formal approval or bestowal of permission.

authorize

To give official permission for or approval to do something.
Example: Only the manager can authorize refunds for customers.
Note: Conveys a sense of official approval or empowerment.

enable

To make something possible or provide the means to do something.
Example: The new software will enable users to perform tasks more efficiently.
Note: Focuses on providing the capability or resources to carry out an action.

Let expressions, common phrases

let go

To stop holding onto something emotionally or physically; to release or relinquish control over something.
Example: She finally decided to let go of her past and move forward.
Note: The phrase 'let go' implies a voluntary action of releasing or surrendering, whereas 'let' alone is more about giving permission.

let someone down

To disappoint or fail to meet someone's expectations or hopes.
Example: I don't want to let my team down by not completing the project on time.
Note: While 'let' can denote giving permission, 'let someone down' focuses on failing to meet expectations.

let in

To allow someone or something to enter or come in.
Example: Could you let in some fresh air? It's stuffy in here.
Note: The addition of 'in' specifies the action of allowing someone or something to enter a space.

let off steam

To release pent-up energy or frustration by engaging in physical or verbal activity.
Example: After a stressful week, she went for a run to let off steam.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the act of releasing built-up tension or emotions, different from the general idea of 'let'.

let on

To reveal or inadvertently show knowledge about something, especially when trying to keep it a secret.
Example: She knows about the surprise party, but she won't let on to the birthday girl.
Note: 'Let on' involves revealing information that may have been intended to be kept secret, unlike 'let' which is mainly about permission.

let up

To diminish or ease in intensity, especially in reference to something unpleasant or challenging.
Example: The rain finally let up, and we were able to go outside.
Note: 'Let up' indicates a decrease or lessening of something, contrasting with the broader sense of 'let'.

let the cat out of the bag

To accidentally or intentionally reveal a secret or surprise.
Example: I was going to surprise him, but someone let the cat out of the bag about the party.
Note: This idiom emphasizes the act of revealing a secret, which is different from the general meaning of 'let' as permission.

Let everyday (slang) expressions

let's (let us)

A contraction of 'let us', used to suggest or propose an action together.
Example: Let's go to the movies tonight.
Note: Informal and conversational compared to 'let us'.

let's see

An expression used to suggest a wait-and-see approach before making a decision or judgment.
Example: Let's see if we can find a solution to this problem.
Note: Indicates a willingness to consider or evaluate a situation before taking action.

let it slide

To choose to ignore or not react to something that usually bothers or offends you.
Example: I'm just going to let it slide this time.
Note: Implies a passive response rather than addressing the issue directly.

let's roll

An informal way to suggest or signal the start of an activity or departure.
Example: Alright, time to go. Let's roll!
Note: Conveys a sense of readiness or eagerness to begin an action.

let's call it a day

To decide to finish or conclude an activity or work for the day.
Example: We've been working hard all morning. Let's call it a day and continue tomorrow.
Note: Suggests ending something for the time being with the intention to resume later.

let someone off the hook

To excuse or release someone from a responsibility, obligation, or punishment.
Example: I'll let you off the hook this time, but don't be late again.
Note: Implies granting forgiveness or leniency in a situation where someone could be held accountable.

Let - Examples

Let me help you with that.
Don't let the dog out.
She let out a sigh of relief.

Let grammar

Let - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: let
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): let
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): let
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): letting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): lets
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): let
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): let
Syllables, Separation and Stress
let Contains 1 syllables: let
Phonetic transcription: ˈlet
let , ˈlet (The red syllable is stressed)

Let - 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.
let: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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