| 释义 |
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024lest /lɛst/USA pronunciation conj. - for fear that;
so that (one) should not:I used notes lest faulty memory should lead me astray. - that (used after words expressing fear, danger, anxiety, etc.):We worried lest the secret become known.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024lest (lest),USA pronunciation conj. - 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. - that (used after words expressing fear, danger, etc.):There was danger lest the plan become known.
- bef. 1000; Middle English leste, contraction of the lesse the, thi les the; late Old English the lǣste, earlier thȳ lǣs the, literally, whereby less that (thȳ instrumental case of the demonstrative and relative pronoun, lǣs less, the relative particle)
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: lest /lɛst/ conj (subordinating; takes should or a subjunctive verb)- so as to prevent any possibility that: he fled the country lest he be captured and imprisoned
- (after verbs or phrases expressing fear, worry, anxiety, etc) for fear that; in case: he was alarmed lest she should find out
Etymology: Old English the lǣste, earlier thӯ lǣs the, literally: whereby less that |