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let out

A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To open the way for someone or something to leave, or to suddenly make a sound like a scream or laugh.

Literal meaning: To allow something to exit from an enclosed space.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To allow a person, animal, or thing to exit an enclosed space.

"Can you let the dog out? He's been inside all day."

Grammar: separable
2 A2 idiomatic neutral

To suddenly emit a sound such as a shout, scream, laugh, or breath.

"She let out a gasp when she saw the final score."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral

To reveal a secret or piece of information that was supposed to remain private.

"Who let out the details of the contract to the press?"

Grammar: separable
4 B2 neutral

(British English) To rent property to a tenant.

"They're letting out their flat while they travel abroad for a year."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Highly versatile. Used for releasing people or animals, emitting sounds ('let out a cry'), disclosing information, renting property (British English), and altering garments. All senses are widely used.

Commonly used with

scream cry breath animal prisoner secret

Forms

Base
let out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lets out
he/she/it
Past simple
let out
yesterday
Past participle
let out
have + pp
-ing form
letting out
continuous

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Synonyms

release free emit disclose rent out expand

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