Pronunciation: /lɛt ɒf/

Definitions of let off

verb to release or discharge, especially from a responsibility or obligation

Example Sentences

A1 The teacher let off the students early from class.

A2 I let off some steam by going for a run after work.

B1 The company decided to let off some employees due to budget cuts.

B2 The referee let off the player with a warning instead of a yellow card.

C1 The police officer let off the driver with a warning for speeding.

C2 The judge decided to let off the defendant with a light sentence due to lack of evidence.

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

Example Sentences

A1 I let off a balloon at the party.

A2 She let off a firework to celebrate the holiday.

B1 The referee decided to let off the player with a warning.

B2 The teacher let off the students early for good behavior.

C1 The company decided to let off several employees due to budget cuts.

C2 The government has been criticized for letting off the corporation without consequences.

Examples of let off in a Sentence

formal The judge decided to let off the defendant with a warning.

informal I can't believe they let him off with just a slap on the wrist.

slang The teacher let us off the hook for not doing our homework.

figurative I could tell she was upset, but I decided to let her off the hook and not press the issue further.

Grammatical Forms of let off

past tense

let off

plural

let offs

comparative

more let off

superlative

most let off

present tense

lets off

future tense

will let off

perfect tense

have let off

continuous tense

is letting off

singular

let off

positive degree

let off

infinitive

to let off

gerund

letting off

participle

letting off

Origin and Evolution of let off

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'let off' originated from Middle English, derived from Old English word 'lǣtan' meaning 'to allow, let go'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'let off' has evolved to also mean to excuse or release someone from a responsibility or punishment.