- lest conj
- [lɛst]
old frm nel timore che + sub, per paura che + sub
lest we forget — per non dimenticare
English-Italian dictionary. 2013.
lest conj
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lest — [lest] conj literary [: Old English; Origin: thy lAs the by which less that ] 1.) in order to make sure that something will not happen ▪ She turned away from the window lest anyone see them. 2.) used to show that someone is afraid or worried that … Dictionary of contemporary English
Lest — Lest, conj. [OE. leste, fr. AS. [eth][=y] l[=ae]s [eth][=e] the less that, where [eth][=y] is the instrumental case of the definite article, and [eth][=e] is an indeclinable relative particle, that, who, which. See {The}, {Less}, a.] 1. For fear… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
lest — [lest] conj. [ME leste < OE the læste < thy læs the, lit., by the less that < thy, instrumental of thæt, pron. + læs (see LESS) + the, particle] 1. for fear that; in case; so that . . . not [speak low lest you be overheard] 2. Archaic… … English World dictionary
lest — /lest/, conj. 1. for fear that; so that (one) should not (used negatively to introduce a clause expressive of an action or occurrence requiring caution): He kept his notes by his side lest faulty memory lead him astray. 2. that (used after words… … Universalium
lest — (conj.) c.1200, contracted from M.E. phrase les te less that, from O.E. phrase þy læs þe whereby less that, from þy, instrumental case of demonstrative article þæt that + læs (see LESS (Cf. less)) + þe the. The þy was dropped and the remaining… … Etymology dictionary
lest — conj. for fear that, against the possibility that; that (used after words expressing fear or danger) … English contemporary dictionary
lest — conj. 1 in order that not, for fear that (lest we forget). 2 that (afraid lest we should be late). Etymology: OE thy laeligs the whereby less that, later the laeligste, ME lest(e) … Useful english dictionary
lest — conj. That not, for fear that … New dictionary of synonyms
lest — conj. for fear that, in order to avoid or prevent, if, perchance … A Note on the Style of the synonym finder
lest — [[t]le̱st[/t]] CONJ SUBORD If you do something lest something unpleasant should happen, you do it to try to prevent the unpleasant thing from happening. [FORMAL] I was afraid to open the door lest he should follow me... The president has gone… … English dictionary
lest — [[t]lɛst[/t]] conj. 1) fun for fear that; so that (one) should not: I used notes lest faulty memory should lead me astray[/ex] 2) fun that (used after words expressing fear, danger, etc.): We worried lest the plan become known[/ex] • Etymology:… … From formal English to slang
