Dictionary
1leave
verb \ˈlēv\
left \ˈleft\ leav·ing
Definition of LEAVE
transitive verb
1
2
a : to cause or allow to be or remain in a specified condition <leave the door open> <his manner left me cold> b : to fail to include or take along <left the notes at home> <the movie leaves a lot out> c : to have as a remainder <4 from 7 leaves 3> d : to permit to be or remain subject to another's action or control <just leave everything to me> e : let f : to cause or allow to be or remain available <leave room for expansion> <left myself an out>
3
4
: to put, deposit, or deliver before or in the process of departing <I left a package for you> <leave a message>
intransitive verb
Usage Discussion of LEAVE
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.
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Origin 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
First Known Use: before 12th century
2leave
noun
: a period of time when someone has special permission to be away from a job or from military service
: permission to do something
Full Definition of LEAVE
1
a : permission to do something b : authorized especially extended absence from duty or employment
See leave defined for English-language learners
Origin of LEAVE
Middle English leve, from Old English lēaf; akin to Middle High German loube permission, Old English alȳfan to allow — more at believe
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to LEAVE
- Antonyms
- interdiction, prohibition, proscription
3leave
verb
leavedleav·ing
Definition of LEAVE
intransitive verb
: leaf
Origin of LEAVE
Middle English leven, from leef leaf
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Botany Terms
LEAVE Defined for Kids
1leave
verb \ˈlēv\
left \ˈleft\leav·ing
Definition of LEAVE for Kids
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.>
9
: to give up <He left school before graduating.>
10
: deliver 1 <She left the package on the way home.>
Headscratcher for LEAVE
If people have left a room they are gone, but anything that is left in the room remains there.
2leave
noun
Definition of LEAVE for Kids
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.>
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