Question
8 March
- Russian
-
English (US)
-
German
Question about English (US)
What does lest mean?
What does lest mean?
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8 March
Featured answer
- English (US)
@Jet453 basically never used in casual conversational English. Extremely "proper", old English term. I've never heard anyone use it in a real life conversation.
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- English (US)
It means "for fear that". "She wanted to keep the closet closed, lest the monster should come out!" = "She wanted to keep the closet closed, for fear that the monster should come out!"
Highly-rated answerer
- Russian
Ok! Got it! Thanks! But why do you use "should" after "monster"? Because as far as l know, should is usually used when you advise something.
- English (US)
@Jet453 Oh you don't have to, you can remove "should" and it will still make sense, it's hard to explain that one. It's more implying that the monster shall decide to come out.
Highly-rated answerer
- English (US)
Lest could also refer to "with the intention of preventing" or "avoiding the risk of". Like "Lest we forget" means to make sure we don't forget. Avoiding the risk of forgetting; with intention of preventing forgetfulness.
- Russian
Thanks, guys! Is it used in real life or in books only?
- English (US)
@Jet453 basically never used in casual conversational English. Extremely "proper", old English term. I've never heard anyone use it in a real life conversation.
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