Is lest an archaic word?
In the sentence, ‘work hard lest you should fail in your examination’ can ‘lest’ be used without the support of the word ‘should’? Martin Parrott answers: Yes, it can. Lest is a very rare word and quite old fashioned.
Where does the word lest originate from?
lest (conj.) 1200, “that not,” especially “for fear that” [OED calls it a negative particle of intention], from a contraction of the Old English phrase þy læs þe “the less that,” from þy, instrumental case of demonstrative article þæt “that” + læs (see less) + conjunction þe (see the).
What type of word is Lest?
Lest is a conjunction – Word Type.
What is the correct use of Lest?
If you do something lest something unpleasant should happen, you do it to try to prevent the unpleasant thing from happening. I was afraid to open the door lest he should follow me. The president has gone along with the hardliners lest they be tempted to oust him.
What does Lest mean lest?
fear that
Definition of lest : for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension worried lest she should be latehesitant to speak out lest he be fired.
What is the meaning plainly?
To do something plainly means to do it either in a very simple way or in an obvious way. You might dress plainly when you’re just hanging around the house, but your flair for fashion will be plainly visible when you get dressed up for a party.
Which model is used with lest?
1 Answer. Lest is generally followed by a verb clause in the subjunctive mood. The word should is just a way to put a clause into the future subjunctive.
What does L est mean in the Bible?
For fear that; in case; so that . . . not. For fear that. Tiptoed lest the guard should hear her; anxious lest he become ill.
Why should is used after Lest?
What is an audibly?
The adverb audibly describes something that’s loud enough for you to hear it. If people are whispering audibly in a movie theater, it means you can hear them, and you might want to find a new seat.
What is the meaning of negligently?
1a : marked by or given to neglect especially habitually or culpably was a careless workman, negligent of details— Edith Hamilton. b : failing to exercise the care expected of a reasonably prudent person in like circumstances negligent about traffic regulations. 2 : marked by a carelessly easy manner.
What is the origin of the Word lest?
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above History and Etymology for lest Middle English les the, leste, from Old English thȳ lǣs the, from thȳ (instrumental of thæt that) + lǣs + the, relative particle Learn More About lest
What is the meaning oflest?
lest For fear that; that not; in order that not; in case. That (without the negative particle); – after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension.
What does lest mean in Charlotte’s web?
Kids Definition of lest : for fear that “I have to be sharp and clever, lest I go hungry.” — E. B. White, Charlotte’s Web
What is the meaning of the prefix Lestar?
lest f (genitive singular lestar, nominative plural lestir) train, file, row, line railway train cargo hold ton (obsolete) cargo, burden, load