Pronunciation: [lˈɛtɪŋ bˈiː] (IPA) 
The phrase "letting be" is an example of standard English pronunciation, with the letter "e" in "letting" being pronounced as /ɛ/ and the word "be" being pronounced as /bi/. The word "letting" is the present participle of the verb "let," which means to allow or permit. "Be," on the other hand, is a verb that means to exist or occur. The phrase "letting be" thus means to allow something to exist without interference or disturbance.
Letting be refers to the act or state of allowing something or someone to exist, persist, or continue without interference or obstruction. It involves accepting and allowing things to naturally unfold or develop without attempting to control or manipulate them. Rather than trying to change or influence a situation or person, letting be involves adopting a passive or non-intervening stance.
In a psychological or emotional sense, letting be can refer to the act of accepting and acknowledging one's thoughts, feelings, or experiences without judgment or resistance. It entails allowing oneself to experience and observe these inner states without the need to alter or suppress them. Letting be in this context emphasizes a mindful and compassionate approach towards one's own inner world.
Additionally, letting be can emphasize a sense of respect or non-interference in relation to others. It involves understanding and appreciating that individuals have their own autonomy and free will, and allowing them the space and freedom to make their own choices and decisions without coercion or manipulation.
Letting be can be seen as an attitude or approach that promotes acceptance, patience, and non-attachment. It acknowledges the complexity and unpredictability of life and recognizes that attempting to exert excessive control or influence may be counterproductive or even detrimental in certain situations. Ultimately, letting be reflects a willingness to surrender some level of control and to embrace the inherent uncertainties and natural processes of life.
The phrase "letting be" does not have an established etymology on its own as it is composed of two separate words, "letting" and "be". However, looking at the origins of each word can provide some insight.
The word "let" comes from the Old English word "lǣtan" which means "allow, permit". It has its roots in the Germanic language family and is related to the Dutch word "laten" and the German word "lassen".
The word "be" comes from the Old English word "bēon" or "beon" which means "to exist, be present, or become". "Be" is one of the most ancient English verbs and is derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*beu-" or "*bē-". It has cognates in several Germanic languages, such as German "sein" and Dutch "zijn".
