lest definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lest definition" is not correct or commonly used in written English. You can use "lest" to express a precaution or to indicate a negative consequence, but it typically requires a complete clause following it. An example could be: "He studied hard lest he fail the exam." Alternative expressions include "to avoid" and "for fear that."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let me be clear, though, lest my broadened definition of "queer" (as anything unusual) fails at clarity.

Huffington Post

By definition.

Forbes

It behooves us to rethink our own personal definition of success lest we be drawn into the prevailing view of our society.

Huffington Post

According to Williams, the constancy that defines an eternal self would entail an infinite desert of repetitive experiences, lest the self be so altered as to be emptied of any definition.

The New Yorker

Value definition.

The Guardian

"My definition".

The New York Times

Problem definition.

Britannica

Here, we needed the subjunctive: "lest it wind up".

The New York Times

Problem Definition.

University of California, Berkeley

Definition 5.7.1.

Columbia University

Definition 5.8.1.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express precaution or avoidance, ensure the phrase follows a grammatically correct structure, connecting "lest" with a complete clause. For instance, instead of "lest definition", consider "lest the definition be misunderstood".

Common error

Avoid using "lest" followed directly by a noun. "Lest" requires a full clause to properly convey precaution or prevention. Ensure a verb and subject follow "lest" to form a complete thought.

Linguistic Context

Incorrect Phrase: The phrase "lest definition" lacks a clear grammatical function. As the analysis from Ludwig AI suggests, "lest" typically introduces a clause expressing precaution, and needs a verb.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lest definition" is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that "lest" requires a complete clause following it to express precaution or avoidance. The phrase lacks a clear grammatical function, communicative purpose, and is unsuitable for any specific register. To convey a similar meaning, it's recommended to use alternative expressions like "to avoid the definition" or "for fear that the definition...".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definition in order to prevent

Emphasizes the preventive purpose of the definition.

definition with the aim of preventing

States the goal of preventing something using a specific definition.

definition for fear that

Highlights the fear associated with the definition, implying a negative consequence.

definition with the intention of avoiding

Emphasizes the intended avoidance related to the definition.

definition to avoid

Focuses on presenting a definition to avert a specific outcome.

so that the definition does not

Expresses a desired outcome related to the definition's impact.

definition so as not to

Focuses on avoiding a particular result related to the definition.

to prevent a definition

Directly states the intent to stop or avoid a particular definition.

definition to preclude

Highlights the role of the definition in precluding a certain outcome.

in anticipation of a definition

Highlights proactive planning in response to a definition.

FAQs

How should I correctly use "lest" in a sentence?

The word "lest" introduces a clause expressing a precaution or something to be avoided. For example: "He studied hard, "lest he fail" the exam."

What are some alternatives to using "lest"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to avoid", "for fear that", or "in order to prevent" instead of "lest". For example, instead of "lest it rain", you might say "to avoid rain" or "for fear that it rains".

Is it correct to say "lest definition"?

No, "lest definition" is not a grammatically correct phrase. "Lest" should be followed by a clause expressing a precaution, not just a noun. A correct usage would be something like, "lest the definition be misunderstood".

What is the function of "lest" in a sentence?

The primary function of "lest" is to introduce a clause of purpose expressing a negative condition or something to be prevented. It's similar to saying "in order that... not" or "for fear that".