26984 words

lets

18 definitions • 37 examples
1
to allow something to happen or someone to do something by not doing anything to stop an action or by giving your permission:

Examples:

She wanted to go but her parents wouldn't let her.
He decided to let his hair grow long.
Let your shoes dry completely before putting them on.
I'm letting you stay up late, just this once.
Don't let it worry you.
If he needs money, let him (= he should) earn it!
2
used to show that you accept what is going to happen, although you do not like it:

Examples:

Let it rain - it won't spoil our afternoon.
3
used to say that you wish something to happen very much:

Examples:

Oh, please let him get the job!
4
used to express a suggestion or request that includes you and the other person or people:

Examples:

Let's go out to dinner.
5
to allow your house or land to be lived in or used by someone else in exchange for a regular payment:

Examples:

They are letting their house (out) for the summer.
He's let his flat to a young couple.
She has a room to let in her house.
6
used after a negative statement to emphasize how unlikely a situation is because something much more likely has never happened:

Examples:

Some people never even read a newspaper, let alone a book.
7
(in tennis or similar games) a situation in which the ball touches the net as it crosses it, so that you have to play the point again
8
without being prevented from doing something:

Examples:

People will be able to travel from country to country without let or hindrance.
9
the act of allowing someone to use your house, land, etc. in exchange for regular payments:

Examples:

a five-year let on a flat
10
small, not very important:

Examples:

11
to allow something to happen or someone to do something by giving permission or by not doing anything to stop it from happening:

Examples:

Fraya’s parents let her go to the movie.
He decided to let his hair grow long.
She opened the door and let me in (= allowed me to enter).
After questioning him for six hours, the police finally let him go (= released him).
12
to cause something to happen or to be in a particular condition, or to cause someone to understand something:

Examples:

He let the pool empty.
Let me know if you need help.
He let out a shout (= He shouted).
13
let us I suggest that we:

Examples:

For the sake of argument, let us assume that Rochelle is right.
After visiting the gift shop, let us proceed into Graceland itself.
14
to allow something to happen, or to allow someone to do something, by giving your permission or by not doing anything to stop an action:

Examples:

We do not let our staff use social networking sites at work.
They had let the office accommodation become rundown and shabby.
15
to allow your house or land to be lived in or used by someone else in exchange for a regular payment:

Examples:

let sth (out) to sb They are letting their house out for the summer.
He's let his flat to a young couple.
let on sth The property is let on a 10-year lease.
The holiday apartments are let on a weekly basis.
16
to make someone leave their job:

Examples:

Sales are down considerably and we've had to let some staff go.
I've only been let go twice in my career.
17
the act of allowing someone to use your house, land, etc. in exchange for regular payments:

Examples:

let on sth a five-year let on a flat
short-term/long-term let We've taken the studios on a short-term let.
18
without being prevented from doing something:

Examples:

People will be able to travel from country to country without let or hindrance.

Navigation