lest

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[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Conjunction

lest

  1. For fear that; that . . . not; in order that . . . not; in case.
    He won't go outside, lest he be eaten by those ravenous eagles
  2. That (without the negative particle); -- after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension.

[edit] Usage notes

Often followed by the subjunctive, as seen in the above example. Also commonly followed by should, in order that the subjunctive be avoided where it is uncommon ("He won't go outside, lest he should be eaten by those ravenous eagles").

[edit] Synonyms

  • (for fear that): before (informal)

[edit] See also

[edit] Translations

for fear that
that . . . not
that (without the negative particle)

[edit] Anagrams

[edit] Czech

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Noun

lest f.

  1. trick, ruse
  2. stratagem

[edit] French

[edit] Etymology

From Dutch last

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Noun

lest m. (plural lests)

  1. dead weight; ballast

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Anagrams

  • Anagrams of elst
  • tels

[edit] German

[edit] Verb

lest

  1. imperative plural of lesen

[edit] Icelandic

[edit] Noun

lest f.

  1. train (line of connected cars or carriages)


This Icelandic entry was created from the translations listed at train. It may be less reliable than other entries, and may be missing parts of speech or additional senses. Please also see lest in the Icelandic Wiktionary. This notice will be removed when the entry is checked. (more information) October 2009

Retrieved from "http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/lest"