lets
|lets|
/lɛts/
(let)
allow or permit
Etymology
'let' (and forms like 'lets') originates from Old English, specifically the verb 'lǣtan' meaning 'to allow, leave, let'.
'lǣtan' in Old English is related to Old Norse 'láta' and German 'lassen'; through Middle English forms such as 'leten' it developed into modern English 'let' and its inflected forms (including 'lets').
Initially it meant 'to allow or leave (something as it is)', and over time it retained the core meaning of 'allow' while also developing the sense 'to rent out' (chiefly British) and the noun sense used in sports (e.g., tennis).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'let': instances of a 'let' — e.g., in tennis, a serve that hits the net and is retaken; or (chiefly BrE) rented properties/lettings.
The umpire called three lets during the match.
Synonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'let': to allow or permit (someone to do something).
She lets her children play in the yard until dark.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/03 03:25