Definition of leave
left
play \ˈleft\;leaving
transitive verb
1a (1) : bequeath, devise left a fortune to his son (2) : to have remaining after one's death leaves a widow and two childrenb : to cause to remain as a trace or aftereffect oil leaves a stain the wound left an ugly scar
2a : to cause or allow to be or remain in a specified condition leave the door open his manner left me coldb : to fail to include or take along left the notes at home the movie leaves a lot outc : to have as a remainder 4 from 7 leaves 3d : to permit to be or remain subject to another's action or control just leave everything to mee : letf : to cause or allow to be or remain available leave room for expansion left myself an out
3a : to go away from : depart leave the roomb : desert, abandon left his wifec : to terminate association with : withdraw from left school before graduation
4 : to put, deposit, or deliver before or in the process of departing I left a package for you leave a message
intransitive verb
leaver
nounleave alone
: to refrain from bothering, disturbing, or using Leave him alone while he's doing his homework.
From the M-W Editors
leave vs. let
Leave (sense 2e) with the infinitive but without to leave it be is a mostly spoken idiom used in writing especially for humorous effect. It is not often criticized in British English, but American commentators, adhering to an opinion first expressed in 1881, still dislike it.
Origin and Etymology of leave
Middle English leven, from Old English lǣfan; akin to Old High German verleiben to leave, Old English belīfan to be left over, and perhaps to Lithuanian lipti to adhere, Greek lipos grease, fat
leave
Definition of leave
Examples of leave in a Sentence
He took an unpaid leave from work.
The soldiers were given a two-month leave for the holidays.
He took a few months' leave to care for his sick mother.
Our professor is on leave this semester.
She is on leave from her law firm.
a soldier on military leave
I beg leave to differ with you, sir.
He was found guilty but was granted leave to appeal against the verdict.
Origin and Etymology of leave
Middle English leve, from Old English lēaf; akin to Middle High German loube permission, Old English alȳfan to allow — more at believe
Origin and Etymology of leave
Middle English leven, from leef leaf
Other Botany Terms
LEAVE Defined for English Language Learners
leave
Definition of leave for English Language Learners
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: a period of time when someone has special permission to be away from a job or from military service
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: permission to do something
LEAVE Defined for Kids
Definition of leave for Students
left
\ˈleft\;leaving
1 : to go away from Please leave the room.
2 : to cause to remain behind on purpose or without meaning to Oh, no, I left my mittens at school. Leave your money at home.
3 : to cause or allow to be or remain in a certain condition Leave the door open.
4 : to cause to remain as a trace, mark, or sign The cut left a scar.
5 : to have as a remainder Taking 7 from 10 leaves 3.
6 : to allow to be under another's control Leave everything to me.
7 : to cause to be available Leave room for dessert.
8 : to give by will She left property to the children.
Headscratcher for leave
If people have left a room they are gone, but anything that is left in the room remains there.
Definition of leave for Students
1 : permitted absence from duty or work The soldiers were off on leave.
2 : the act of going away and saying good-bye I had to take leave of a friend.
3 : permission I asked leave to speak.
Law Dictionary
Learn More about leave
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See words that rhyme with leave Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for leave Spanish Central: Translation of leave Nglish: Translation of leave for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of leave for Arabic speakers
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