let
verb (transitive)
UKletUSlet
To allow or permit someone or something to do an action or to happen.
Example Sentences
Please let me know if you have any questions.
He wouldn't let his children stay out too late.
Let the cake cool before you slice it.
They decided to let the manager handle the situation directly.
You should let your friend borrow that book if you trust him.
I couldn't let the opportunity pass me by.
In order to encourage creativity, some workplaces let employees schedule flexible working hours and even design their own projects.
Even though he felt nervous, he chose to let his curiosity lead him toward new experiences rather than staying in his comfort zone.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun (countable)
UKletUSlet
In tennis, a serve that touches the net and still lands correctly in the service box, causing the point to be replayed.
Example Sentences
He served a let on his first try and had to serve again.
Umpires must call a let the moment they see the ball clip the top of the net and land in the correct box.
A let interrupts the flow of play, but the point restarts with no penalty.
Sometimes a let can change the momentum of the game if it happens repeatedly.
The audience grew restless after several lets in a row.
A tense match can become even more nerve-wracking if players keep getting lets on key points.
In a high-stakes tournament, each let can add both suspense and frustration, as fans and competitors alike wait to see if the next serve will be successful or result in yet another pause.
Even though a let may appear to be a minor interruption, its psychological impact can shift the players’ focus, potentially altering the outcome of a critical point or an entire match.
Thesaurus
How to Use
To allow or permit an action or situation to occur.“Let” is a versatile verb primarily used to grant permission or express allowance for something. For example, “Let me help you” means you’re offering or asking permission to assist, while “She let him borrow the car” indicates she permitted him to use it. It commonly appears in imperative sentences (“Let’s go!”) to suggest a collective or encouraging action, effectively including the speaker and others in a plan.Grammatically, “let” often pairs with a pronoun plus another verb to show consent or advisement: “Let him speak,” “Let them decide.” This usage indicates that someone is giving someone else freedom or opportunity to act. You might also see “let” in polite requests or commands where you’re softening the directive by framing it as a suggestion, like “Let me know if you need help.”Informally, “let” can appear in idioms or phrases that blend subtlety and courtesy: “Let it be” (to leave something unchanged), “let go” (to release or emotionally move on), or “let off the hook” (to excuse someone from blame or responsibility). In each of these cases, “let” preserves its core idea of granting freedom or relief from constraints, whether physical or metaphorical.
Alternatives
For synonyms that convey the idea of permission, you might use “allow,” “permit,” or “authorize” in more formal contexts. “Enable” also suggests making something possible, though it can focus more on providing means than granting permission. If you want a casual term, “give the go-ahead” or “give the okay” can replace “let” in everyday speech, albeit in slightly longer phrasing.To soften directives, “invite” or “encourage” can express a similar sense of letting someone do something, but these carry a warmer or more supportive tone: “I encourage you to speak up.” Meanwhile, “give someone free rein” implies a more complete freedom, if you want to highlight the extent of permission. Each alternative adjusts your tone and implies nuances of responsibility or emphasis, so choose the one that matches your desired level of formality or context. In all cases, the common thread is providing the space or opportunity for action to occur, just as “let” does.
Writing
When writing with “let,” clarify the subject and the action being permitted or suggested. If you’re issuing instructions or requests, place “let” early in the sentence for directness—“Let me summarize the key points.” Alternatively, you might opt for a more formal tone by using “allow” or “permit,” especially in professional or legal writing: “Please allow time for review,” rather than “Let us review this.”In narrative or descriptive writing, “let” can convey moments of consent or relinquishment—“He let the rope slip through his fingers” suggests a deliberate decision to release it. In dialogue, “Let’s do this!” injects enthusiasm or unity. You might vary your usage to avoid repetitive structures, replacing “let” with synonyms or rephrasing when the text calls for formality or stylistic variation. Keeping in mind the target audience and the tone helps determine whether “let” should remain or if a more polished alternative works better.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “let” is extremely common for simple permissions or suggestions. Phrases like “Let me help,” “Let’s grab lunch,” or “Let them handle it” slip easily into casual speech without sounding abrupt. “Let me know” is a frequent closer in texts and emails, showing willingness to receive feedback or updates without pressure.You might also use “let” to gently remind someone of an option: “Let me know if you want to join later,” or “Let’s meet up this weekend if you’re free.” It keeps the door open for the other person to respond comfortably. In group settings, “Let’s…” fosters a team atmosphere—“Let’s head out!” or “Let’s decide on a movie.” These short, direct expressions highlight cooperative or friendly vibes, making “let” a go-to verb for everyday interactions and casual planning. Additionally, “let” can diffuse tension: “Let it go,” urging someone to relax and move on. In these settings, “let” underscores giving freedom or peace to a situation rather than forcing a particular outcome, maintaining a supportive, non-confrontational tone.
Etymology
“Let” in its modern usage has roots in Old English “lǣtan,” meaning “to allow, to leave undone, to permit.” The term shares linguistic ancestry with several Germanic languages that have a cognate reflecting permission or leaving something as is. Over time, English refined its sense of “let” away from broader meanings like “leave” or “cause to leave,” sharpening the focus to highlight giving permission or enabling action.During the Middle English period, “let” was used more frequently with nuances of hindrance (like “to let or hinder”), but by Early Modern English, it increasingly took on its current positive connotation of granting freedom or space for action. Shakespeare and other Elizabethan writers often employed “let” in the imperative mood—“Let be,” “Let us away!”—to convey decisive choices or persuasive commands. Today, “let” thrives as a concise, flexible verb, bridging both formal and casual contexts whenever you need to communicate allowance, suggestion, or release.
