Another Word For Lest

Meaning

"Lest" is a conjunction used to express the idea of preventing something undesirable from happening. It often introduces a clause that explains the reason for caution or action to avoid a negative outcome. For example, if you say, "Stay quiet lest you wake the baby," you mean that staying quiet is important so that the baby does not wake up.

Synonyms

• In case
• To avoid
• For fear that
• So that... not
• That... not

Antonyms

• Because
• Since
• As
• So

Etymology

The word "lest" comes from the Old English "laest," which means "less" or "that not." It is related to the notion of minimizing or preventing an outcome and has been used in English since the early medieval period.

Examples

1. "He rushed to finish his work, lest he miss the deadline."
2. "She wore a jacket, lest she get cold in the evening breeze."
3. "We should leave early, lest we get stuck in traffic."
4. "He practiced every day, lest he forget his lines for the play."