leave - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
leave Word Meanings
- to go away from a place
- to allow something to remain
- to quit a job or position
leave Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
leave Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/liːv/
US
/liv/
leave Word Etymology
leave = leave, Old English laga = to set aside; Origin: Old English, then Middle English and Modern English; Memory image: Imagine someone walking away and leaving footprints behind, symbolizing their departure.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push open the door and step away from the room. My weight shifts as I change direction toward the hallway. I steady my breath, let the rhythm guide my feet, and decide to leave what I knew behind. The act of leaving becomes a little turn in my day, a choice I keep ready for the next place I go.
Real Context
Leave has three core senses: to go away from a place, person, or situation; to allow something to remain in a state or place; and to quit a job or position. It pairs with many particles and prepositions, producing phrases like leave for a trip, leave early, leave something behind, and leave a note. Context determines whether movement, retention, or departure is meant, so learners must choose the right sense and preposition. Common collocations include leave it to you, leave me alone, and leave without saying goodbye. Memory image: you walk away, leaving footprints that mark your departure.
Usage Reminders
- Use leave for departure or quitting; use leave behind to indicate leaving something somewhere; use leave for a destination; use leave it to someone when you want to assign responsibility; be careful with 'leave from' vs 'leave for' (often 'leave for' a destination).
Common Misconceptions
- Leave can mean 'allow' in phrases like 'leave me alone' but not in formal permits (use permit or allow otherwise).
- Confusing 'leave' with 'let' when giving permission in casual speech.
- 'Leave' is not always passive; it often involves movement or separation.
- 'Leave' in 'leave a note' does not imply giving up the note; you are creating it.
- Using 'leave from' is less natural in English; prefer 'leave for' or simply 'leave'.
Thinking Differences
English speakers see leave as a broad set of actions (movement, removal, resignation) and rely on prepositions like for and to to signal destination or purpose; learners often mix these with think-pause phrases, causing wrong prepositions or senses.
Learning Tips
- Practice with phrasal verbs: leave for, leave behind, leave out.
- distinction: leave vs quit—quit for employment context.
- Combine with adjectives: leave early, leave quietly.
- Use negative forms: 'do not leave yet', 'don’t leave without saying goodbye'.
- Practice granting permission: 'you may leave', 'please leave me alone'.
- Link with nouns: leave a message, leave a tip.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Which of these best gives the meaning of the word 'leave'?
A.to go away from a place or person
B.to remain in the same place
C.to fix or mend something
D.to celebrate loudly
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'leave' correctly?
A.He leave his coffee on the table every morning.
B.I will leave the party at 10 p.m.
C.The cake was leave on the counter overnight.
D.Please leave the door loudly.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to the word 'leave'?
A.depart
B.stay
C.permit
D.forget
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'leave'?
A.abandon
B.depart
C.stay
D.enter
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give a real-life example or context where the word 'leave' would be used? Choose the prompt that best fits saying the word aloud.
A.Can you tell me a method for solving a math equation?
B.Can you explain how to bake a simple loaf of bread?
C.Can you describe a time when you walked away from a gathering because you were tired?
D.Can you share a memory about meeting a famous person?
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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