leaving - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
leaving Word Meanings
- to go away from a place
- to allow something to remain
- to quit a job or position
leaving Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
leaving Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/liːv/
US
/liv/
leaving 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
What is the definition of leaving?
A.A form of communication
B.An action of departing or going away
C.The process of building something
D.A method of studying
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses the word correctly.
A.I enjoy leaving when it's raining.
B.She was leaving her homework on the table.
C.They are leaving the party after dinner.
D.He is leaving to the store now.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to leaving?
A.departing
B.arriving
C.staying
D.waiting
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of leaving?
A.ignoring
B.losing
C.entering
D.forgetting
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context that relates to this action?
A.Some people will be taking their time at the event.
B.A person might decide to stay home rather than go out.
C.After the meeting, everyone was preparing for leaving.
D.She is planning to cook dinner for her family tonight.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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