Word
lest
US/ˈɫɛst/
UK/lˈɛst/
Definitions
01to prevent something
conj. you use this to show that you are doing something so that a bad thing does not happen.
conj. used to introduce a clause expressing a negative purpose or a possibility that one wishes to avoid; often followed by the present subjunctive or 'should'.
“He spoke quietly lest he wake the sleeping baby.”
“The diplomat chose his words with extreme precision, lest his comments be misinterpreted as a formal declaration of hostility.”
Formal · Literary
Usage
In modern English, this is almost always followed by the base form of the verb (subjunctive) or 'should'.
Pitfall
He ran fast lest he wouldn't miss the train.
He ran fast lest he miss the train.
The word 'lest' already contains a negative meaning, so do not use 'not' or 'wouldn't' in the following clause.
Teaching tip
This is very rare in conversation; students should recognise it in literature but use 'so that... doesn't' or 'in case' in their own speech.
Synonyms
02after words of fear
conj. used after words like 'fear' or 'afraid' to introduce the thing you are worried about.
conj. used after verbs or nouns expressing fear or anxiety to introduce the object of that fear.
“She was filled with dread lest the secret be discovered.”
“There was a growing anxiety among the staff lest the merger lead to significant job losses across the regional offices.”
Formal · Literary
Usage
Follows nouns or verbs of apprehension like 'fear', 'anxiety', or 'dread'.
Teaching tip
Explain to learners that this functions like 'that', but adds a specific tone of worry or danger.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“And lest we forget, the state is not considered a friend by all: past experiences of discrimination may reduce the uptake of services.” “They also received holy water through separate fonts lest their mere presence contaminate the purity of the sacramental fonts that can still be seen today.” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/lest