let

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To allow to, not to prevent (+ infinitive, but usually without to).

   • After he knocked for hours, I decided to let him come in.
   • Pharaoh said, I will let you go.
   • If your name be Horatio, as I am let to know it is[…]
2. 2

   To allow to be or do without interference

   To allow to be or do without interference; to not disturb or meddle with; to leave alone.

   • Let me be!
   • Yet neither spinnes nor cardes, ne cares nor frets, / But to her mother Nature all her care she lets.
3. 3

   To allow the release of (a fluid).

   • The physicians let about a pint of his blood, but to no avail.
4. ›+ 10 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To allow possession of (a property etc.) in exchange for rent.

      • I decided to let the farmhouse to a couple while I was working abroad.
      • “My dear Mr. Bennet,” said his lady to him one day, “have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?” Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. “But it is,” returned she; “for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it.”
      • Trailers for sale or rent, rooms to let, fifty cents.
   2. 5

      To give, grant, or assign, as a work, privilege, or contract

      To give, grant, or assign, as a work, privilege, or contract; often with out.

      • to let the building of a bridge;  to let out the lathing and the plastering
   3. 6

      Used to introduce a first or third person imperative verb construction.

      • Let's put on a show!
      • Let us have a moment of silence.
      • Let me just give you the phone number.
   4. 7

      To cause (+ bare infinitive).

      • Can you let me know what time you'll be arriving?
      • Time's sea hath been five years at its slow ebb, / Long hours have to and fro let creep the sand[…].
   5. 8

      The allowing of possession of a property etc. in exchange for rent.

      • Then he says “You would call it a Good Let, Madam?” “O certainly a Good Let sir.”
   6. 9

      To hinder, prevent, impede, hamper, cumber

      To hinder, prevent, impede, hamper, cumber; to obstruct (someone or something).

      • He who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
      • Sir King, mine ancient wound is hardly whole, / And lets me from the saddle; […]
   7. 10

      To prevent someone from doing something

      To prevent someone from doing something; also to prevent something from happening.

      • And as they went on their waye, they cam unto a certayne water, and the gelded man sayde: Se here is water, what shall lett me to be baptised?
   8. 11

      To tarry or delay.

      • And for that strake I would not let, / Another upon him soon I set, […]
   9. 12

      An obstacle or hindrance.

      • without let or hindrance
      • [E]ver conſider vvhether our doings be to the let of our ſalvation or not.
      • And Cadmus saw his campanie make tarience in that sort / He marveld what should be their let, and went to seeke them out.
   10. 13

       The hindrance caused by the net during serve, only if the ball falls legally.

The neighborhood

• synonymallowto allow
• synonympermitto allow