Meaning & use

let

verb·Everyday

To allow or permit something to happen or someone to do something.

See it in a sentence

Her parents let her stay out later on weekends now that she is older.

The teacher let the students choose their own topics for the project.

A note on using this word

In British English, "let" also means to rent out property, as in "a room to let."

Words with a similar meaning

allowpermit

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

forbidprevent

Another way to use it

2. noun

In tennis and similar sports, a serve that touches the net but still lands correctly and must be replayed.

The umpire called a let, so the player served again.

Make it your own

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