How to Pronounce Lest

To pronounce "lest", say LEST — one syllable, IPA /lɛst/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

lest

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying lest, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

1

Syllable

4

Letters

/lɛst/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “lest”

"lest" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with manifest and crest, if that helps it stick.

What does lest mean?

conjunction

  1. For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.

    “He won’t go outside, lest he be eaten by those ravenous eagles.”

  2. (after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension) that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.)

    “I am afraid lest I revealed too much.”

Synonyms

before

Words that rhyme with lest

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

manifestcrestdetestdistressedjestimpressedacquiescedrestchestarrestbequestrequest

Related words

avoidbeforebogleselseleastunlesspreventing

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "lest"?▾

"Lest" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "lest"?▾

The IPA transcription of "lest" is /lɛst/.

What does "lest" mean?▾

Lest: For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “lest” in the full dictionary →