World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesLet-alone
/ˌlɛt.əˈloʊn/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
1 sense- 1
Used to indicate that something is even less likely or suitable than something else already mentioned; much less; not to mention.
"He doesn't even have a bicycle, let-alone a car."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the imperative verb phrase 'let alone', combining 'let' (to allow or permit) from Old English 'lætan' with the adjective/adverb 'alone'. It evolved idiomatic usage in the 19th century to introduce a stronger statement or a far less likely alternative following a negative clause.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Let-alone"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Let-alone" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
sans parler de
Transliteration: sã paʁle də
"Il n'a même pas de vélo, sans parler de voiture."
geschweige denn
Transliteration: ɡəˈʃvaɪɡə dɛn
"Er hat nicht einmal ein Fahrrad, geschweige denn ein Auto."
figuriamoci
Transliteration: fiɡuˈrjamotʃi
"Non ha nemmeno una bicicletta, figuriamoci una macchina."
y mucho menos
Transliteration: i ˈmutʃo ˈmenos
"No tiene ni bicicleta, y mucho menos coche."
quanto mais
Transliteration: ˈkwɐ̃tu ˈmajʃ
"Ele não tem nem bicicleta, quanto mais um carro."
चाहें
Transliteration: chāhẽ
"उसके पास साइकिल तक नहीं है, कार तो दूर की बात है।"
更不用说
Transliteration: gèng bú yòng shuō
"他连自行车都没有,更不用说汽车了。"
하물며
Transliteration: hamulmyeo
"그는 자전거도 없는데, 하물며 차야 있겠는가."
まして
Transliteration: mashite
"彼には自転車さえない、まして車など論外だ。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "Let-alone"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →Why do actors say 'Break a Leg' instead of wishing good luck?
In ancient theatrical superstition, wishing someone 'good luck' was believed to tempt mischievous spirits into causing bad luck. Therefore, well-wishers told performers to 'break a leg' to invite the exact opposite.
What is the psychological difference between Sympathy, Empathy, and Compassion?
Sympathy is feeling sorrow for someone else from a distance. Empathy is emotionally putting yourself in their shoes and feeling with them. Compassion is empathy combined with an active desire to help.