Leave
/liːv/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo depart from a place or person.
/liːv/
To go away from a place or person.
I'm leaving for work now.
💡 Simply: It's like saying goodbye and going somewhere else. Like when you *leave* your house to go to school or when you *leave* a friend's house after playing.
👶 For kids: To go away from a place or person.
More Examples
They left the restaurant after dinner.
We have to leave the airport by 6 PM.
How It's Used
"We are leaving for vacation tomorrow."
"She left the party early."
To allow something to remain in a particular state or place; to deposit or hand over something for another person.
/liːv/
To allow something to remain.
Leave the dishes on the table.
💡 Simply: It's like you're letting something stay where it is. You might *leave* a note for your parents or *leave* your toys in the living room.
👶 For kids: To let something stay somewhere.
More Examples
He left his keys on the counter.
Can you leave the light on?
How It's Used
"Please leave the door open."
"She left a message for you."
To refrain from interfering with something.
/liːv/
Leave the cat alone!
💡 Simply: It's like telling someone to not mess with something. Like if someone is playing with something and you *leave* them alone.
👶 For kids: To not touch something.
More Examples
Just leave the issue for now, we'll address it later.
I'm going to leave them to it.
How It's Used
"Leave it alone!"
Formal permission to be absent, especially from work or military duty.
/liːv/
Permission to be absent.
She requested a leave of absence.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're given time off from work or school. You might be on sick *leave* or vacation *leave*.
👶 For kids: Time off from school or work.
More Examples
He took parental leave.
They granted him a month's leave.
How It's Used
"She is on leave this week."
"The soldier requested leave to visit his family."
Synonyms
Depart
Exit
Go
Abandon
Deposit
Disregard
Ignore
Absence
Holiday
Idioms & expressions
leave someone/something alone
To stop bothering or interfering with someone or something.
"Just leave me alone, I'm trying to concentrate."
leave something to chance
To allow the outcome of something to be determined by chance or luck, rather than making a deliberate plan.
"We decided to leave the decision to chance and flip a coin."
take leave
To depart; to say goodbye and leave.
"I'm going to take my leave now."
From Old English *lǣfan*, from Proto-Germanic *laibijaną* ('to leave behind, remain'), related to 'life' and 'alive'.
The word 'leave' has been used in the English language for centuries, with its core meaning of 'to depart' remaining consistent.
Memory tip
Imagine *leaving* a footprint behind as you walk away.