Lest (en. Ballast)

[lɛst]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

conjunction

Used to introduce a clause indicating prevention or fear.

He took an umbrella, lest it rain.

Il a pris un parapluie, lest'il pleuve.

Used to express a possible negative consequence.

She acted discreetly lest there be witnesses.

Elle a agi discrètement lest’il y ait des témoins.

The word 'lest' comes from Old English 'lyst', meaning 'for fear of'.

lest we forget

so as not to forget

lest we forget

don't forget lest

don't forget for fear that

don't forget lest

fear

feeling of anxiety or fear in the face of danger.

crainte

prevention

action of preventing an undesirable event.

prévention

to avoid

I will finish my homework early lest I don't have time later.

Je vais terminer mes devoirs tôt lest je n'ai pas le temps plus tard.

for fear that

He spoke softly lest he be heard.

Il a parlé doucement lest il soit entendu.